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Mothers spend so many hours like this, with an arm (or backside!) asleep, feeding or snuggling or rocking a little one. I can see now these hours of early childhood transforming into hours spent in discussion with teens when I would rather be sleeping or just alone. But...I wouldn't really rather be sleeping or alone, because what I am actually doing reflects my commitment to this beautiful young person.

Sometimes *doing* is an act of love and of prayer even if our interior feelings and our tired bodies are not in alignment with this action.

It reminds me of what an amazing nurse said to me during one of my labors when I turned to her and said, "Can I do this?"

She said, "You ARE doing it."

You ARE doing it, Sara!

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Just wanting to send along some encouraging words to your question: "Can this season of parenting littles become something fruitful?" Yes! Your dedication breeds into your children's bones, your presence, your commitment to be with them through "these years of spit-up and sound machines and separation anxiety", shows them love in action (tired, messy, but never ceasing). We are well past this phase in our household (alas the clean laundry still piles high), but the bond that we formed through those early years now helps us to navigate through the deeper emotional challenges of teen life.

Hug your littles while this still solves their tears, and know that yes, you are doing fruitful work :)

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Sara, I felt this post in my ribs, as I vividly remember this season of motherhood (it wasn’t all that long ago, after all). How often I was sure I was dying. How often I feared there was no resurrection awaiting me on the other side. There is, dear, I promise. Hold fast.

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Every time I read what you write about motherhood it is a needed reminder that I am not alone, that it is not just me experiencing the joys and sorrows, stretches and strengthening, of this season of early little ones. The monotony, the feeling of constantly being needed, the feeling of giving all I have and simultaneously feeling like I’m not doing enough-all there. So thank you for writing it all out honestly. And know I’ll say some prayers for you!

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Ah, sweet Elise, I know this feeling so well! We’re definitely not alone in it, and while the internet certainly has its flaws and drawbacks, I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with others in this season. The growing pains are so real, and I hope and pray that the Lord will allow us to see the fruits of them as we grow as individuals and as families!

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