This week, our focus is motherhood, and again, we’re starting at the beginning. From the time my first daughter was a baby, there were situations in which I was sure I was the only mama to ever face that situation. I’d muddle my way through and move on…until the next one came along.
I quickly discovered that when I mentioned that thing to a veteran mama (once I had floundered my way through it), the answer was usually the same… “Oh honey, every baby (or mama) does thaaaaat!” So I made it my mission to keep track of those moments and lessons to share with new mamas.
A mommy is a giver in every sense of the word. She gives comfort, protection, food, lessons, advice, encouragement, correction, and connection, and even life, itself! Another truth about moms is that while we give to everyone else, we often forget to give ourselves what we need!
Monday’s focus is our heart, soul, and spiritual self. Our hearts need encouraged, and the start of a new week is a perfect time for extra hope and strength. I want to challenge you to intentionally give to yourself for a change! What life-giving gifts can you give yourself in this season?
- Prayer. Pray about everything! From pregnancy forward, cover that baby in prayer! I prayed about morning sickness, swollen ankles and blood pressure, and delivery-related concerns. Baby days need prayer, too: feeding, sleeping, and the weird things babies do and don’t do all require prayer. Pray for yourself, too! Whatever your need, take it to Jesus! I hear you thinking, “But I don’t even have time to SHOWER! When do I have time to pray?!” You can pray breath prayers in a moment. Diaper changes and feedings offer lots of moments!
- God’s Word. Don’t forget to nourish your spirit. It’s ok if it’s short. God sees your heart. Get a devotional book for mommies, or an app on your phone. Even a few minutes in the Word will nourish you. Proverbs 31 ministries have great, relevant devotionals. Feedings also provide great opportunities for YouTube videos or podcasts! Some of my favorite teachers to listen to are Steven Furtick, Priscilla Shirer, Joyce Meyer, and Sarah Jakes Roberts.
- Freedom from guilt. Guilt goes hand in hand with motherhood! We are our own worst critics. Exhaustion fuels guilt, but don’t allow yourself to go there! Guilt is not one of the spiritual gifts! When you feel guilt creep in, remind it that you have freedom in Jesus and while you may mess up, God’s forgiveness and grace and mercy are sufficient!
- Grace. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Motherhood has a wicked learning curve, sometimes. You’ve never been a mama before, and your baby has never been a baby, before. You will make mistakes and learn together. That is a given. I remember taking our third daughter to the doctor thinking I was overreacting, but wanting to ease my mind about how lethargic she had been. Imagine my surprise when her doctor looked at me and said, “Are you ready to go to the hospital, Mom?” Admittedly, I let a little guilt sneak in that day, but what I needed was grace. Instead of focusing on wishing we had gone sooner, I should have been glad I decided to take her!
Here are a few verses to nourish your heart today.
- He has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
- His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9)
- His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Be anxious for nothing. Pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).
- My God will meet all my needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Lord, thank you for your goodness, mercy, grace, and truth. Bless each of us, according to your riches. Help us remember your great love for us as we seek to honor you in our mothering. Help us take care of ourselves and nurture our spiritual selves in your Word and in your presence, in Jesus’ name, amen.