Dear Momma of Littles,
Living in the Season of Littles, whether toddlers, infants, preschoolers, or newborns is hard.
There isn’t any way around it.
The mornings that you don’t need to be out of the house at a certain time always go smoothly. No tantrums. No starving baby who only wants nummies and momma cuddles.
The mornings that you need to be somewhere, there will be a toddler crying because he didn’t like his breakfast, or because he wanted something else.
There will be the speedy little crawler chasing you around the house begging to nurse.
You won’t be able to find the wipes and you will forget to put on deodorant.
You will want to cry the whole way to Bible study because you were yelling at your babies all morning.
You will never want to leave the house again because it is a hassle and you are always late for everything anyways.
It is supposed to get easier. I believe it will, although I can’t say from experience. I have a three year old and a ten month old. Two babies. I know many other moms who are blessed to have more with their oldest the same as my age or just a little older. I also know moms blessed with multiples.
Yes, I said blessed. Because that is what children are.
A BLESSING.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5
A REWARD. A GIFT from GOD.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:7
In this season of life, I need to remind myself of this fact: my children were given to me, to help me grow in love, perseverance, patience and every other character I am lacking in. Which I think, would be all of them.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
On the easy days, it is easy and I start to think “I’ve got this”.
Then comes a day where I realize I don’t. And it seems like when it rains it pours. Today was a good day, and the hard days of the past week have faded. Which is good, because if they hadn’t I would be dreading every day that is coming up. A little like labor. I was talking with a friend this past week about labor pain and how it has faded. If you think back to labor with your littles what do you remember most? The pain of the contractions? Or the overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The love and joy you felt holding your baby. Thoughts of the miracle of life and how perfectly God knit this one together inside you.
“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21
“‘Wait for the Lord’ implies complete dependence on God, as well as the willingness to submit to His conditions and timetable. For those who hope in Him, God promises to supply what they lack. From His endless resources, He assures His strength and power.” Community Bible Study Lesson Commentary on Isaiah 40.
how to deal with the midnight wake up calls, the whiney #toddler, the rush to get out of the house...#momlife Click To TweetWhen we wait on the Lord, and allow him to work and love through us, we will be filled with inhuman strength that can allow us to get through the hardest days. When we throw ourselves upon Him, we will not only be able to survive toddlerhood, we will thrive in it.
We will be able to face the middle of the night wake up calls, the whiney toddler and the rush to get out of the house on time. We will have strength and we will survive.
Because this Season of Littles is simply that. A season. And we have a God who will never fail, never abandon us. With him, dear momma of littles, we can do anything.
Love, hugs and understanding,
Another Momma in the Season of Littles.
Such a beautiful post 🙂 I’ve been learning a lot about seasons as well as of late.
Thank you! 🙂 I love your blog!! Thanks for coming by!
Seasons can be hard, but the changes and growth that we go through are so worth it!
Agreed!!
Lovely post, so true…
Thank you Heather! 🙂
It’s so true isn’t it? It is so helpful to spend time regaining perspective though and reading God’s word. And now with sharing what you have read, you have not only encouraged yourself but others like myself! 😉
I’m so glad! I have been writing this for a while and today was a good day, so I felt kinda silly posting this but did it with the hopes that someone would find some encouragement. 🙂
Aww very sweet post. yes just like the pain of labor fades, the rough days of little bitty kids fade and you are left with the sweet nostalgic memories.
I wish I would have understood this as a young mama!! You are far ahead of the game and such a sweet mama! Great post!
Thanks! I have awesome examples in my mom and mil. 🙂
You are so right. Today was a high. My 6 1/2 year old wanted to make sure she was saved. She had said a prayer when she was 4, but we had never known if she totally understood what she was doing. Today she meant it and understood it. What a wonderful day!
That’s awesome Tammy! The toddler has been asking lots of questions lately regarding Satan, Jesus and God, so I know he is working things over in his mind, but I’m not quite sure what all he understands at this point.
Appreciating what you have is important–especially with little ones!
It is! How quickly we forget things!
Blessings to mamas always! <3
So true, Rebekah! Love this topic and it’s so close to my heart as well. =) The Lord gives us the strength we need to get through the hard days and the ability to soak in the joy of the wonderful days! Children are such a blessing.
My daughter has four children under 5 and I don’t know how she manages to get anywhere EVER. LOL
Once you give birth you forget about it. When my youngest was born I had him without so much as an aspirin. The cord was wrapped around his neck, arm and body. He was blue and not crying. I forgot about what I’d gone through that second. The other part didn’t matter, only him. He’s 18 years old now. 🙂
Oh my goodness! That’s quite the story, I’m sure it must have been very scary for you! Bravo to your daughter! I hope she gets lots of love and support. 🙂
I agree the days can be daunting. The little feet pitter pattering. The toddler laugh. Those are the things I try to focus on the days when the days are hard. Thanks for linking at Pintastic Pinteresting Party!
Yes! I’m trying to learn to embrace this season and appreciate all that God has to teach me through it as I learn to serve and let go of my selfish desires. Great thoughts here. Thanks!
Great reminder and love the verses you used!
Thanks!! 🙂
I needed this reminder after being up all night with my 6 month old and then up early with the toddler! They are such an incredible blessing.
I’m so sorry you have been missing out on that sleep, but glad that you found this encouraging! I have to remind myself to read this on hard days…
Good word of encouragement. Keep remembering it because it doesn’t get easier. But God is always present in each season. Each season a gift. I wish someone told be how hard teen years would be. Toddler years prepare you for them. Persevere! God will move in each season as we trust & depend on Him.
I have experienced so much stress and chaos in the little years and yet nothing at all has refined me more in this life. So grateful for my beautiful children.
Motherhood is such a refining fire!! The season of littles is hard, but so rewarding!!
This season is filled with exhaustion and joy… and it is building the groundwork for launching these blessings into Kindgom Work. Thanks for the encouragement!
Yes, they do grow up! I wish I could go back to those days. My firstborn turns 17 tomorrow. Life is easier in certain aspects and harder in others.