Motherhood: it’s hard.

As I have written these random, unplanned posts on motherhood, I have thought about my daughters reading them one day. Pondering the things I would like to share with them. These posts are a few of those things. But they are also lessons God has taught me since becoming a mother.

I don’t think I’ve ever been stretched more, grown more, cried more, laughed more…or learned more in my life than these past 10 years.

10 years of motherhood.

The biggest thing that I don’t recall anyone telling me is that being a mom will be the hardest thing you ever do. Ever. 

I know, I know…all those first smiles, bear hugs, beautiful bedtime moments…

Sometimes it’s hard to cherish each moment when you are in the thick of it. Don’t you think? I cherish my children so very much. I just never expected it to be so hard. (I guess the same could be said for marriage! but for me, parenting has been harder than marriage.)

Each stage has its own beautiful moments intertwined with the difficult.

First little baby sounds…crying all night.
Chubby toddler thighs…potty training.
Baby boys turning into little boys…annoying their sisters. all the time.
First day of school…discipline or academic concerns.

None of it’s easy. So, when people think that now, because all my children are more independent, it must be easier? Nope. Now the challenges are just different. Yes, I can get out the door faster because I have no more diaper bag, no more sippie cups.

But, now, the hard part about getting out the door is sisters fighting over whose ballet shoes they CAN find and who is going to look for the missing pair. All as ballet class is starting.

Now, the hard part about going somewhere is 3 children all fighting because someone looked at them wrong in the back seat or someone pushed down their arm rest. And by golly, I DID NOT WANT MY ARM REST DOWN. ha!

I guess today my motherhood post is just a few moments of being real…right where I’m at in motherhood today. I’m worn out from fighting with my children each morning to listen as I read aloud from our chapter books. I’m worn out from them fighting with each other. I’m worn out from the selfishness.

I have to remind myself that motherhood, as hard as it can be, is a journey.

Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint.

My children aren’t going to be perfectly behaved tomorrow because of my good discipline and parenting today. (even though most days I’m not feeling like a good parent at all!)

Oh, sweet Jesus, please remind me that You aren’t finished with me yet. And because of that truth and that promise, I need to remember that about my own children as well. That You, heavenly Father, for your patience with me…though I make the same mistakes over and over again. Help me to give my children that same patience. Parenting is hard. Help me to remember that I have You, the perfect parent, to show me the way. 

More posts on motherhood:
Motherhood & missions
Motherhood: a humble calling
Motherhood: lessons in simple joys