There have definitely been challenges, and the battle in my mind is real most days. I've been asking God to help me perceive this beautiful responsibility as "joy" rather than simply a very hard "job". It's been a lot of hard work; kudos to all the moms out there who have walked this path before me, and for those who have done it more than once or completely on their own... God bless you, really, you are amazing.
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Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Psalm 127:3
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The grace and strength required to wake up every two to three hours in the night, as well as living an entire day doing the same thing, just to do it all over again feels endless. Some mom's with adult children remind me that things will get better, but at the same time, I know they will get harder in different ways when the time comes.
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"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".
2 Corinthians 12:9a
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118: 24
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Let's talk about the reality of mom guilt; as real as it feels it's also a very big lie. I read this blog and found the truth within it encouraging. My biggest takeaway was: It is easier to believe the lies when you are tired and stressed. Don’t let your sleep-deprived or stressed-out brain trick you into believing the junk being thrown your way. Stop it in its tracks, and your mood will likely improve.
Also, when negative comments come your way just nod your head, but remember you are truly blessed.
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God gives rest to his loved ones.
Psalm 127:2d
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
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I'm also learning that I can only do what I can do, and I need to grant myself grace if all the things I want to get done take more time than usual. Preparing a snack for myself takes a lot longer than I expected, especially when baby is in arm. Also there are projects and things I want to get done, but I've reminded that I need to shift my priorities, caring for my little ones needs is important in this season. And I'm constantly reminding myself that this season won't last forever - just like pregnancy itself didn't last forever (and as wonderful as it was, thank God He put a time limit on it).
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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...
Ecclesiastes 3:1
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come,
but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish,
for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
John 16:21
