YOUTUBE VERSION: https://youtu.be/IT4jgJQS9Jc
I don’t know if I’m alone on this, but I have some questions about motherhood LOL. Lately, my questions for God are how one is to handle screaming and whining all day long, month after month after month? I kinda feel like we went from the easiest baby ever to the wildest toddler ever in a matter of days and I'm a bit confused and would like some answers, or maybe just a little bit of help ッ
With that being said, I am NOT here to share about how the toddler stage is one to dread, or how everything is just going to get harder and harder. That doom and gloom mentality gets me fired up and I’m not interested in hearing it. I need encouragement and hope, not the opposite. Plus, I always need a good dose of humility to be reminded that everyone’s hard is different and we are not supposed to compare to one another.
What I am HERE for is - sharing about the things that have helped me in a really hard season of parenting. The things God is teaching me. The things people have been generous enough to share with me, I want to be generous and share with you. And if I write them down, I will probably remember them when I forget about them next week ;)
I just have 1 child, so I am obviously no expert. But I believe everyone has value to bring to the table. I am just a new mom that has had a lot of hard days recently and needed a little bit of help and a lot a bit of Jesus. Without further ado - here’s part 1!
My Heart Posture + My Primary Role
What I've been realizing throughout this season is that while there are practical tips, that's not what I always need. At this point, I know some of the practical tips, but I'm looking for the kinda help that gives me a supernatural peace and understanding when all I want to do is scream at the top of my lungs....just me?
Here's the ah-ha moment that has helped me and helped changed my posture a lot when we have one of those days.
Now that I am a mom, it is my primary job.
That doesn't mean it's my only job (which I'll get into more in a min), but it's my most important job. It's weird because one day you're not a mom, and then one day you are, and everything changes....but it takes some time to process it all.
This also doesn't mean we can't have help. My 9-5 job requires help and I usually ask for it every day, LOL.
It's more of an understanding that when our child needs us, we willingly drop whatever else has our attention. Of course, we do that, right? But when I'm trying to get other work done and my child has been whining for 3 hours, I easily become frustrated and resentful. I question why we're having such a hard day, yet again. I find myself longing for some full time help. And I think about how I can't get my work done with so much stimulation, big feelings, and no light in sight.
But I feel different when I understand that my first job is to be mama.
I might not say I welcome the tantrums (lol), but I am much less frustrated when they happen. I know that this is my part in taking care of the soul God has entrusted me to. Nothing else is as important and I remember that this is part of being a mom. I'm serving Jesus when I'm serving my (His) child.
Not our only job
While being a mom is my primary job, I also understand that God calls us to other forms of work, and also gives us dreams and desires. Those are good and good for us. I think sometimes it can take time when we are in a completely different season to transition and form new routines. When we go from 0 babies to 1 baby or maybe even twins, our days look much different! Even if someone is going from 5 to 6 babies - it's all new! And it might take a lot of time. But eventually, our dreams start to call on us, and I don't think that's a coincidence ;)
These things bring joy to our life. They bring creativity. They might serve others and bless them immensely, which is exactly why we don't want to ignore those nudges. We can do these things while still honoring God and our family. We just have to remember the order and when we get out of alignment, come back to the God to help us get back on track. ♡
A job that has the potential to impact many, many souls
I absolutely am loving the book M is for Mama written by Abbie Halberstadt. It talks about the “profession of motherhood” and how impactful this role is—not just in the day-to-day tasks but in shaping the souls of our children. She writes, "If you already are a mother, then no other profession you can claim during your primary season of mothering can trump that of your job as a mama. Why? Because nothing else has the potential to impact the everlasting souls of the precious humans who have been entrusted to you". And I don't think there's much else I can add to that.
Jesus' Example
For my final thought, I had to share something that I think about often. I remember reading a section in the bible about how Jesus reacted to children finding Him. ChatGPT helped me recall and summarize the passage:
The story you’re recalling is in Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17. In these passages, parents brought their children to Jesus to receive His blessing, but the disciples tried to turn them away. Jesus, however, welcomed the children and responded, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV).
You're doing the most important and Holy work today. Tantrums will come. Interruptions will come. And Jesus is smiling down as you let the children come to you and serve them. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Much love + I'm rooting for you,
Brittany ♡
P.S. Want to be closer friends? I'll tell you my airhead moments and encourage you! Here's what you can expect in your inbox:
I typically send an email out on Sunday with a laugh, and links to what I created for the week to bring more joy to those working, momming, and/or homeschooling. I would love to connect in your inbox and I probably need your advice along the way too! Sign up here!
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