Before Meg’s first child was born, she remembered thinking how amazing it would be to finally put her house in order during maternity leave. She’d organize the closets, whip the kitchen into shape, put a little more thought into dinner every night…
When baby Rosie arrived, all those plans went right out the window. As Meg adjusted to first time motherhood, she was overwhelmed by the idea that such a tiny person could somehow take up all those hours of the day, leaving little time (or energy) to make over the house, or mealtime. Even taking a shower felt like an accomplishment as she learned to care for the constant needs of a newborn.
It was tempting to wish those hours, days, weeks, and months of motherhood away, so she could just get more done.
When her son Rupert was born three years later, Meg was delighted to find that two littles ones were somehow easier to manage than a single baby. She was more confident in her ability to take care of an infant this time around, and Rosie loved being a big sister, and her mommy’s helper.
Second time motherhood was wonderful, but at the end of every day, Meg looked around at the unfinished laundry, sinkful of dishes and other unfinished to-dos, and wondered when she’d have more time to get it all done.
The children grew and changed, taking on new challenges and sharing wonderful new experiences as their parents loved and nurtured them through the years.
One day, as Meg rocked her newest grandchild to sleep on a visit with Rosie’s family, she thought to herself, “I’m so grateful for this time together with the ones I love. My children are such a blessing to me now that they’re grown!” And she kept right on rocking, because she had all the time in the world for this sweet baby.
Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.... They will run and not grow weary.”
In the midst of parenting young children (or children of any age!), it’s good to remember that motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. Grandchildren and parents of young adults sometimes remind moms in the trenches to cherish these moments — they are gone too soon! And that’s true, but motherhood is also...a lot. A lot of work, like feeding your family, loads and loads of laundry, explaining (again) that there really aren’t any monsters under the bed, and putting fresh bandaids on all the boo-boos and ouchies, including the kind that can only be soothed with a hug and kind words.
As we approach Mother’s Day on Sunday, we want to remind the moms, grandmothers, aunties, and special mentors of your worth.
Do not grow weary in doing good, but renew your strength in the Lord. He has called you to be a nurturer, caretaker, helper, guide, and special friend for His beloved children, and when you ask Him in prayer for courage, strength, patience, energy, and anything else you need to carry out such an important role, He will be faithful to provide.
You are seen, known, and loved by the Lord, and the work of your hands and heart matters. Thanks, Mom.
If you’re looking for thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts to brighten your mom’s day, explore our grace & truth® and Cherished Girl® apparel collections.
