Three.
That’s the number of times I woke up last night. I could not avoid it. Covering my head with a pillow to quiet any sound does not work. There was a tiny human being that needed my attention. She needed me right then and there.
Oh, the tiredness can get overwhelming. But in this season of sleep deprivation, baby spit ups and never ending nursing, there is a wonderful quiet peace. A stillness in my soul.
Motherhood is a special journey.
Moms, you are privileged.
You are a woman called to bear the honour of experiencing so many firsts of a little one. That first kick in your tummy. The first time he rolls over. The first smile, first step, first fall, first doctor’s visit.
And for every firsts you miss, because of work, circumstances and just life in general, your little wonder will come to you with a thousand other little surprises.
Enjoy the excitement this journey brings.
Moms, it is not always easy.
Each step of this journey comes with its own challenges. Sometimes it seems like a jumbled up puzzle. The pieces won’t seem to fit.
Why is my God not healing my child?
My heart longs for my daughter to go to church.
Will we have enough food this week?
How much longer until my prodigal son comes home?
This work of raising a child is oh-so-wonderful and nerve-wrecking-difficult all at the same time.
Embrace each challenge with strength from our Father. Your children are not the only ones growing. That woman looking back at you in the mirror grows wiser as the days go by.
Moms, remember that you are also a child.
You are uniquely created by our loving Father. He delights in you (Psalms chapter 18, verse 19).
Stuff that ear plugs in your ears when the noise of the world condemns and belittles. It is absurd how moms are often pitted against each other.
A stay-at-home mom versus a working mom.
Bottle feeding versus breast feeding.
To watch television or to read a book.
It does not matter what kind of mom you are as long as you are leaning on Him through this journey.
Believe that you are worthy of love and respect simply because you are made in the image of God. You are a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies (Proverbs chapter 31, verse 10).
Moms, you are marking your legacy.
Every victory is etched into memories of loved ones. Every failure is a springboard for growth and learning.
You will make mistakes and you will learn. You will cry one day and laugh the next. You will grow. You will leave a legacy of godliness.
Just like the Proverbs 31 woman.
Your husband will sing your praises.
Moms, your children will rise up and call you blessed.