Motherhood...A High Calling

The past couple months I’ve been watching my daughter’s sweet little baby.  Silas and I have become very connected by having him in my home.  He was born August 29th and has been a blessing to Jeff and Lindsay and to the rest of the family.  It is so much fun to have a little one around!  Lindsay took 8 weeks off from work (she is a teacher) and didn’t want Silas to go to daycare until after Christmas break.  So I volunteered to watch Silas until Lindsay is off school for Christmas break.  It has been a very long time since I’ve had a baby constantly in my care!  Our youngest is 17 years old. 




Here are some things I would like to share that I’ve been reminded about motherhood:

1)      Little ones change so quickly.  Each day and from week to week, Silas is able to do new things.  Everything is a first!  First smile, first giggle, first time to get the hand to the mouth (on purpose) J, first roll over (Silas is almost there)….it goes on and on.  
Mothering tip:  Don’t wish the days away; enjoy each season you are in (even when it’s hard). And if you are loving the infant stage…don’t be sad as the days go by because every stage of your baby’s life is exciting and has something wonderful in it!

 2)     The day goes so fast and so slow at the same time.  I had forgotten how much work it is to care for a baby.  The clock seems to stand still and then all of a sudden I don’t have enough time to get him ready to leave the house.
Mothering tip: Take moments throughout the day to be thankful for the time you have at home with your little one.  Keep a heart of gratitude.

 3)     It can feel isolating. Alone with a baby is exhausting.  It doesn’t sound like it should be, but it is!  The reality of what a mother does at home all day is monotonous:  feed baby, burp baby, change baby, play with baby, sing to baby, soothe baby, rock baby…and the cycle repeats all day long.  
Mothering tip:  Plan “play” dates with other moms who are home.  Talk with another mom-friend to encourage one another.

 4)     I’m amazed at the wonder of new life. This too I had forgot.  I snuggle Silas and am amazed at his little fingers and his toes and the way his little nose moves and his mannerisms and behaviors—and to think just a short time ago this little life was wriggling around in Lindsay’s womb.  What a wonder.  What a miracle.
Mothering tip: Record by memory and video and photos this new life.  I will record a video of Silas and then play it back for him and I to watch over and over!  I don’t want to forget the wonder of it all!

 5)     Time is not my own.  This is probably the hardest for me.  Because of the season I am in now, I’m used to having several hours in the morning to spend with the Lord—reading my Bible and enjoying His Presence; praying for others; talking with my Jesus.  Now, that time is taken by another.  It took me a few days to adjust my life to this little one “invading” my Jesus time.  As I talked with the Lord about it, I felt such pleasure from Him for what I am doing for these couple months.  I literally feel a smile from Jesus as He watches me with Silas.  This season of time is short so I am “all in” with Silas and that honors the Lord.
Mothering tip: Moms, the Lord loves that you have given yourself in this way for your baby. This is the highest calling.  To do it well takes sacrifice and love and laying down your desires for your child/ren.  There is no better way to spend your days than to invest and mentor and teach and disciple and love your child/ren. 

God sees it all.  Even when you forgot about all the moments, He doesn’t.  They are written down in a book of remembrance.  This is all part of your story with Jesus.  There will be a day in eternity that He will share your story of love and faithfulness and perseverance.  His eyes are on you.  He is for you.  He loves watching you as you give your heart and very essence to your little one(s). 

When you are exhausted and weary, call out to Jesus and He will give you strength.  When you are lonely, tell Him.  He will never abandon you.  You are not forgotten.  When you are in wonder of this life you hold in your arms, remember that Jesus too was a babe.  The Creator of the Universe humbled Himself and became a man (in the weakest form).

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