Motherhood!
Oh, to be a mother.
Motherhood is a challenging journey many women embark on at some point in their lifetime. It both challenges and stretches you beyond the depthts that the mind cannot always comprehend.
For some, it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. For others, it’s a thrust into the world of becoming a teacher, doctor, lawyer, judge, public servant, and more 24/7 for the rest of your life. You are now anything and everything to your child. From the moment a child is born, a mother’s life is forever changed.
When God created mothers, He made a vessel capable of creating, housing, nourishing, and being able to bring forth life while helping her to grow the next generation. He created her with the ability to impact the lives of her children in such a way that differs from all others who come in contact with them.
This deep and meaningful bond, once formed between a mother and a child, can last a lifetime.
A Mother’s Love Protects
A mother’s love is a shield that protects her children from the synthetic perverse version that the world is waiting to provide for them.
The love of a mother leads her children to learn and embrace the love of God. Through her examples, a child’s heart is ready and willing to receive the love of God into their own lives.
God has entrusted us with the task of raising our children in ways that allow them to build a relationship with Him so that they may learn to love Him with all their hearts, with all their minds, and with all their souls (Deuteronomy 6:5). He wants them to have a long, purpose-filled, fulfilling life.
A mother’s duties should not be taken lightly.
Motherhood is an adventure that’s full of joy, bittersweet moments, and things life couldn’t have possibly filled you in on unless you experienced it for yourself. Because no matter how many books you’ve read or how many podcasts you’ve listened to, or how many babies you’ve watched, it will never fully prepare you for the real thing.
What Are the Joys of Motherhood?
While there are many challenges associated with navigating through these waters, there are many joys in motherhood that make it all worthwhile.
From watching your child grow and develop to hearing their first words to seeing them achieve their first milestones. These are just a few of the incredible experiences that come with being a mother.
A mother’s joy can be found in her children’s laughter and smile. It can be found in the way they watch their children grow into the young men and women they’ve secretly hoped they’d always become and then some. A mother’s love bursts like sun rays that warm her entire body when she sees all that she’s planted into her child bloom and blossom into something incredible and beautiful.
Seeing the World Through Childlike Eyes
In Matthew 18:3, the Bible says “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (CSB).
Children have a unique way in which they view the world. They are trusting, humble, and forgiving. Mothers seek to preserve the innocence of their children for as long as they can, so they can see the world as God sees it as often as they can.
The knowledge that you are helping to shape another person’s life is a powerful feeling.
You are raising the next generation.
You are raising the next generation of disciples for Christ.
Let that sink in.
The Challenges of Motherhood
While motherhood can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Sleepless nights, tantrums, and the constant juggling of responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. It’s also common for mothers to experience feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and isolation.
It’s important to remember that these challenges are normal and that every mother experiences them to some degree. Seeking support from family, friends, and other mothers, but most importantly, God can be incredibly helpful in navigating these challenges.
Tips for Navigating Motherhood
Prioritize self-care
It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you’re a mother, but it’s imperative to prioritize self-care. This can mean taking a few minutes each day to do something for yourself, like taking a bath or reading a book.
Whatever you choose, prioritize putting yourself on your “to-do list”. Schedule your time and make sure you keep your appointments.
Seek support
Building a support system can be incredibly helpful in navigating the challenges of motherhood.
Accept help when it is given. It’s easy to say “I can do it”, but when you’re on the brink of breaking down, what purpose does it serve?
Allow Dad to take over the reins and refuel your body with what it needs to keep going. He is after all part of your team and a much-needed presence in your child’s life. If there is a struggle to do so, be mindful of each other’s time and plan accordingly. You need your “Me Time”.
Reach out to other mothers, join a support group, or seek out a therapist who specializes in working with mothers. There are many options available to you. Find the one that suits you the best.
You got this, Mama!
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety.
When it comes to motherhood, there is no one rule fits all. So be intentional with yourself and your goals for raising your children. Think about the type of mother you want to be for your children and find a way to get to her.
What do you want to see in them?
What plans do you have for them?
Do they line up with God’s plan?
All these questions and more should be focal points when it comes to raising your children.
So go outside and get some fresh air. Exercise. Work on your hobby. Develop a new hobby. Discover new talents. Do what you need to do to get things going.
Spend time reading your Bible. Talk to God (pray). He doesn’t want any rehearsed prayers, He wants the prayers that come from your heart. Take your worries that you may have concerning mothering your children to Him. Speak to Him as a friend and listen to His instructions. Follow them and watch things turn around for your good.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Reality check!
Perfection does not exist on your own accord. Perfection exists with God. Because with God all things are possible to those who believe and trust in Christ Jesus (Mark 9:23)
The Bible tells us to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 CSB)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. (Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG).
Surprisingly enough, there is no one way, except by doing things God’s way, that will make you the perfect mother for your child because every child requires something different. But you can strive for perfection. As a matter of fact, you can be who and what your child needs in their season.
You can be perfected in becoming the mother that God created and needs you to be for your children by listening to His instructions. Don’t just believe in Him, trust Him as well. God wants to help you. He doesn’t want you to feel alone. He knows the desires of your heart. Allow Him to move and shift things around for you.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. You’re human. Embrace the imperfections, acknowledge that you need help, and allow God to lead you.
Update Your Love
As long as you are living, you will experience some degree of change whether it be in your life or to your character.
Remember…Perfect things don’t need to change or be updated. And as a mother, you should instead constantly seek to be more like Jesus. Look at how He loves us and mirror that love towards your children.
Change the things in your lives that no longer serve a purpose and embrace the changes that will take you into the next season of your journey.
In conclusion, motherhood is a complex and wonderful journey that comes with its fair share of joys and challenges.
Remember to cherish the moments of joy and to seek help when you need it. Prioritize self-care, ask for help, and accept help. Practice mindfulness, and let go of the things that God is prompting you to leave behind in the season you’re working to get out of. Let go of perfectionism so you can navigate this journey with grace and ease. You’re on your way to a fulfilling and rewarding experience as a mother.
You got this, Mama!
