I have been a mother for 15 years, and I am enjoying this season of motherhood now. Our children are older now, 15 and 11, and are not as clingy as when they were toddlers. When I look at them, I wish I could still carry them in my arms and sing them to sleep. But they are growing up and needing less of Mama. The Bible reminds me that everything has its season, even motherhood.
Oh, no! Motherhood?
When our son was born, my world revolved around this handsome babe in my arms. I adored him so much, yet I cringe every time he cries. As a new mother, taking care of a baby was challenging. But despite my ignorance and impatience, he was a happy baby. He always had a cheerful disposition, even when his Mama was always at her wit’s end.
Our daughter was born three-and-a-half years later via C-section. We did not prepare for an emergency procedure, but by God’s grace, all went well. She was breastfed and everywhere I go she had to be with me, even while I work on my computer. She’d be in sling feeding while I type away.
Funny how, despite being born of the same mother, siblings are so different from each other. It’s a fresh experience when the second child was born. I had to adjust because of their different temperaments, age, and needs. It was exhausting but enjoying my season of motherhood.
Yes, motherhood!
As both kids grew older, their appetites have developed too. They have reached every milestone and have become more aware of the world around them as well.
Since 2015, we enrolled our eldest child in a hybrid homeschooling program. I am no longer directly involved in his schooling, but I still check on him daily. I also volunteer to help him, but he assures me he can do it on his own. He doesn’t need me anymore. In fact, he is always eager to share with me all his lessons from school and his personal reading. His teachers have commended him for being a diligent and responsible student. Proud mom here!
Our second child exhibited independence since she was a toddler. This is her second year to volunteer for Awana, a Bible-based club that meets weekly in church. She is part of the Awana Music Team, and her exposure to music inspired her to learn the ukulele and the guitar on her own. She never took formal music lessons, but watched tutorials on YouTube. Her involvement in the ministry has opened her doors to meet new friends, too. In fact, that’s the reason she never misses a day in Awana. She wants to be with her friends all the time.
Now, they have their own things to keep themselves busy. I miss the days where they wanted to be with Mama all the time. My husband and I always have them in tow. These days, I have to force them to tag along and I seldom win, unless I bribe them with food.
Keep on mothering
Gone are the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, the whining, and incessant crying, and the anxiety attacks when they get sick. The early season of my motherhood has passed. Whew!
If you have a baby or a toddler in tow and your hair never seems to get fixed, it’s okay. This season of motherhood will also pass. I promise you it will. Learn to enjoy these moments while you can.
This season of motherhood is a season of discovery for the kids and I. Well, it’s more of a rediscovery of my skills and develop them the way God intended them. I am also exploring new avenues I have not tried before. That is why this season is exciting for me.
Our children are now developing themselves, getting to know who they are, and discovering the world at the same time. They are slowly trying out their fresh wings. They are not yet strong, but as they try it out, those fragile wings will gain more strength.
As a mom, this is the time I have to back away. I have to let them fly. I will not be hovering over them, but will fly beside them. If the fierce winds scare them, I will be there to encourage them to keep flying and hold on. If they get distracted by the lure of the world, I will gently pull them back and remind them of what is really important.
Whatever they become and whatever they accomplish, they will always have me as their number one fan. As they brave the world, I will also bravely embrace this new season that motherhood has given me.
What season are you in your motherhood journey today? Celebrate whatever season you are in, dear Mom. Celebrate Motherhood! Happy Mother’s Day!
