There is a time and season for everything.
That’s scriptural, and you can count on it. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
My husband often says he dislikes change, mainly because it is uncomfortable. Yet, he also wisely notes that sometimes it is necessary, and therefore we must endure.
I’m not sure what season you are in right now as you read this. I can tell you as a mom that there are many seasons that come with great challenges and definitely the “uncomfortable” parts.
Here is a glimpse at the seasons I have already endured:
Infertility: Waiting desperately for prayers to be answered and to get that positive pregnancy test.
New mom: The joys of finally holding that baby girl in my arms, and the woes of sleepless nights and wondering why this child is not even willing to nap for than eight minutes and 35 seconds on average.
Toddler mom: The “eyes on the back of the head” are necessary. The word “no” is used more than any more term in your vocabulary.
Mom of triplet newborns: This is an entirely epic and life-changing season. Parenting multiples plus an older child is a season of its own that never ends.
Preschool years: Whether you are sending one or three off to school for the first time, it’s never been so hard to let go.
Elementary years: This is a season of growing independence, navigating social interaction and small responsibilities like homework. They have a voice now and it sounds more adult than you are ready to hear.
Junior high/Middle school: You are always wrong. Get used to it.
High school years: They need you, but they don’t need you. They want you out of their business, but they expect your money and approval. There are boyfriends/girl friends and heart break. You realize you cannot fix their boo boos anymore.
College/post high school: Suddenly they look four years old to you. You can’t stop crying. You’re happy for them and sad all at the same time. Suddenly, you feel old. But you tell yourself you will get through this, just like all the others.
Whew.
It’s been a journey. And my seasons are not ending. There’s still many more to embrace.
I look back at the photos of my mom “seasons” and I see a younger face. I watch myself age as my kids grow. I’m changing with them, and I’m being shaped into whom God has called me to be.
My patience is longer and my hair is graying. I really don’t like that graying part…
Do you want to know what you can count on staying the same through all of the seasons of motherhood?
Him.
He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The same God who was with me at age 25 when I was struggling with the thought of never being a mom, is the same God helping me move my 20 year-old first born daughter into her new room for her third year of college.
The same God who stayed awake with me when I cried and asked for this child to please, please sleep when I put her in the bassinet – is the same God who gives me words when this now-adult daughter is crying about her own fears.
The same God who sat with me in the car after I dropped off three kindergarten students in seemingly over-sized backpacks on their first day of school, is speaking life into me as I watch them drive away on their first day of their senior year.
The same God who helped me take deep breaths during all the arguments and hormones and moments where I literally had to escape outside for a long walk – strolls with me as I contemplate sending them off to college and planning weddings.
He settles me. He embraces me. He speaks to me through His Word. He lets me weep. He hears every single prayer, every single day.
And He gets all the glory.
ALL of it.
None of these ups and downs are possible for navigation without Him.
I am “growing up” with my children through all of these seasons. I am certain of His sovereignty and I know He will continue to my comfort and shield.
Change isn’t so bad.
As long as the One who never changes continues to change me.
Looking for more encouragement as you walk through the seasons of motherhood? Tabithas book is titled, Praying for Your Child as You Grow Up in Him and it’s available on Amazon now right HERE.