Not long ago, I attended a baby shower where we were asked to complete “Advice for the Mom-to-Be" cards for the new mom.
As I began jotting down my responses, I was surprisingly moved and refreshed by the process. And so this Mother's Day, I wanted to share my answers, not necessarily as advice, but as a refreshing reminder and encouragement to us all:
Say goodbye to…Sleep.
Isn’t this your answer? Whether our children are in the crib or another country, there's part of a mama's heart that wakes at night, wondering about her children and praying for their provision, protection, and peace.
Say Hello to… An ability to love you didn't know you had.
No doubt, a mother's love can be neither calculated nor quantified. It gives when nothing is left and pours out on empty. Still, a mother's surging love for her children and feelings of fulfillment compare to nothing in this life.
Always… Talk to God about your children.
Pastor/author Mark Batterson says, “Make sure your heavenly Father hears about your kids daily!” Though I cannot control every aspect of my children's lives, I rest knowing I've covered their path in prayer.
Never… Feel like you're alone.
Often, we find ourselves flying solo, but God has promised His presence is with us. And because of His church, we are joined and strengthened by other like-minded women in the journey of motherhood.
It's okay if you… Feel sad/cry.
The selfless giving of a mother is both emotional and exhausting. Emotions, particularly for us gals, are real and should be released! To keep those emotions in check, I balance them with prayer, godly counsel, friendships, and time in God's Word.
Remember to… Make time for yourself.
Regardless of our stage or season, we must regularly refresh ourselves: body, soul, AND spirit. And yes, that means treating ourselves to some extra time in our happy place (especially today!).
Enjoy…Each day.
Our sweet Charity finishes high school in 2 years and Isaiah is a teenager! How could it be? Weren’t they just crawling around the house, squeezing Cheerios between their fingers and learning to ride their bike?
Though the days feel long and the burdens sit heavily, may we, together on this Mother's Day, have hearts that truly treasure the greatest gifts we have on earth -- our families. 💕
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