We were sitting in a restaurant enjoying some family time, when a couple made their way to a booth in the corner not far from us. Wearing baggy jeans and a big sweatshirt, the mom held the hand of her little girl while trying to steer her little boy, who was about 3 years old, towards their seat. The husband slowly sauntered behind them, not noticing she needed help. They settled into their booth and the rest of the time they were there, the husband sat and ate while the wife attempted to eat her meal while taking care of two children.

As I watched the scenario, I felt compassion for this young woman. I was reminded of how very challenging the years of having small children can be. I remember the frustration of not fitting into my clothes, the fog that settled permanently over me until my kids finally slept through the night, and trying to take care of two little ones while attempting to accomplish normal every day tasks! I remember even feeling resentment towards my husband, although he did all he could to help with our babies, because at times it appeared as if his life hadn’t change much and my life had been so incredibly altered in every way!

During the years of having young children we didn’t live close to either set of parents, and at the time we went to a church where, unfortunately, there was very little fellowship. With a few exceptions, I was alone much of the time. They were lonely but precious years. and God used them for my good and His glory!

Most of the time, I did enjoy being with my children. I was confident of my calling and was happy that I was the one putting them down for their naps, making them lunch, and getting to experience all the daily milestones of their growing up. But there were days that I became weary and lost my focus. These were life changing years as God allowed me to come to the end of myself so that I might learn how to press in to Him on a deeper level. God truly exposed my heart, helping me to see the truth about myself: Becoming a mom did not suddenly cause me to become a needy person. Becoming a mom exposed how very needy I already was!

5 Things God Did In My Early Mom Years

1. Those were the years that God used to begin creating within me a heart that wanted to look for ways to reach out and encourage and serve other moms.

2. Those were the days that prompted me to get into the Word and find out what my job as a member of the body of Christ is. I needed fellowship and it wasn’t happening. Something was missing.

3. They were the years that led me to resolve to do all I can to live out my calling as an older woman.

4. Those were the days that God used to help me get to know my precious children. The close relationship that we have now that they are young adults began during those years!

5. On those mornings that I didn’t think I could get out of bed – yet somehow I did? Those were the mornings that God’s strength took over and I was able to live out my calling. I was able to fall into bed that night knowing that God was the one who got me through the day. It was about Him coming to my rescue!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

There is no other time in our lives when we will face having to sacrifice in the way that we do when we become a mom. When we are put to the test in this life-changing way, we are able to see our hearts to the core of what they truly are – desperate for God. And if we stop there, we will fall into despair! But God wants to bring us to the end of ourselves so we will cling to Him during the exhausting, demanding, days of having small children. We are able to learn during these years that God is the all powerful God He says He is, and He is the One we need in order to accomplish the calling of motherhood.

SOMETHING TO PRAY

Father, remind me of my calling and help me to cling to You and draw from your strength. Help me to focus on and depend on You, not on people. I pray that my first response will be to drop to my knees and ask YOU for strength.

EXTRA PRAYERS:

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Psalm 29:11 “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

Ephesians 6:10: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.