As part of a celebration of the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr., my four year old daughter was asked to complete a sentence, describing what she wants to be when she grows up. The sentence simply said “I have a dream to be a… ” and was left open-ended for the children to come up with an answer.

Many of her classmates chose noble and admirable careers such as fireman, policeman, astronaut and doctor. Others expressed more creative, artistic aspirations like chef and dancer.

At the end of the school day, Ms. Darla, my daughter’s teacher, met me at the door with a big smile. She was anxious to show me what my daughter, Rachel, had chosen to be when she grows up. Rachel replied, “I have a dream to be a … Mommy.”

What a deeply touching surprise to hear that my daughter sees motherhood in the same light with other careers, especially when society tends to not give this vocation its rightful dues.

This exercise reminded me how closely our children watch what we do and say, and how in-tune they are with the joy (of absence of…) they see within us as we move through our day-to-day routines.

My daughter obviously recognizes my passion for her and her brother. She also sees a picture of a happy family with a Mommy and a Daddy who work together to make each others’ lives more complete and fulfilling. I can only hope she also sees her mother learning and growing spiritually, focusing on abundance rather than lack.

My intention is more focused than ever to serve as an example of love and abundance, now that I have been reminded that all eyes are upon me to paint the picture of what grown-up life is supposed to be. I want to make sure my daughter and my son will always live the life of their dreams.