My youngest came in while I was trying to write, sat down in the chair behind my desk, and asked, “If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?”
My first thought was to choose the super power that would allow me to stop time so I could write. But I set aside the writing, and instead we listed all the superpowers we could think of: teleportation, flying, strength, speed, telekinesis, shapeshifting, intelligence, and on and on.
Then we chose. I chose teleportation so I could go to the beach every day. He chose invisibility so he could sneak into all the professional sports games and amusement parks. Then we both chose the ability to eat all the dessert we wanted without it making us sick or changing our health. Because if you’re going to have superpowers, why not combine them with donuts?
And then I thought about being a mom. I thought about setting aside my writing to explore the very important topic of superpowers. Then I thought about these recent weeks, with their almost-daily soccer games and doctor appointments and pick-ups and drop-offs and campus visits and college applications—and yes, still fitting in some home-cooked meals.
Mama, these are superpowers.
The ability to see past our checklists to the souls of these little and not-so-little faces? That’s x-ray vision.
The ability to listen to yet another description of an imaginary Minecraft world while making dinner? That’s the stuff of Dr. Strange and wormholes.
The ability to secure a same-day doctor appointment for yet another rash? That’s teleportation.
Mama, I see your super-strength. Your warp speed. Your ever-expanding heart. I see how you make your family feel important, seen, heard, accepted, and loved.
Most of all, I see your silent prayers to Jesus and how He gets you through. I see how you rely on Him. How you choose surrender and sacrifice—again. How you know that being in His presence makes you more present.
The next time your youngest asks what your favorite superpower is, know in your heart all of the superpowers He already gives you, every day. And most importantly, know you are seen Super Mama—and loved.
