In the midst of the nonstop schedules, the endless nights of feeding and the toddler tantrums, it can be hard to enjoy the ride of motherhood. I’ve gone through seasons where I just feel like I’m going through the motions and I’m lacking joy in it all. In times like these it’s really hard for me to pour into my kids the way that I’m called to. It feels like I’m lacking purpose and I become so easily exhausted, impatient and overwhelmed.
First and foremost, we must look to our only source of joy: Jesus Christ. This will most certainly sound preachy, but it’s true. If we are seeking joy through anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, we will not have true joy. Phillipians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It doesn’t say, “Rejoice in your clean house” or “Rejoice in your handsome husband or well behaved children.” Rejoice in the LORD. He is the only One who is constant. Never changing. All loving. So kind. If we can root ourselves in Him each and every single day, that is where we will find true, lasting joy.
Don’t play the comparison game. This one is way too easy especially with social media. If you struggle with comparison, take some time to fast from it and see what the Lord does in your heart. These days we are able to see what everyone else is doing at all times. What other moms are cooking for their families, all the cool vacations, what activities everyone else’s kids are in that your kids aren’t, everyone else’s accomplishments and the cleanest parts of their kitchen. This is not real life. The moment that I start feeling discontent with what I have, I know it’s time to take a break. I can lose joy so quickly just by seeing all the things that everyone else is doing or all the things I don’t have.
Embrace the season and let go. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said “No” to my kids because I don’t want to deal with a mess that something may create. As much as I love a clean house, I am doing my best (I’m a work in progress) to let go and let my kids be kids. The laundry will never be caught up, the mirrors will have sweet little fingerprints for many years, the toys will be scattered about and I just try to take a deep breath and enjoy where we are at in this season. It doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but I’m seeing my kids grow up faster than I ever thought possible. I don’t want to be so busy worrying about the mess that I miss the beauty in the mess.
Find like-minded friends to do life with. This one is so important. Christ calls us to live in community with one another and motherhood can feel really lonely at times. Motherhood can be hard and life in general is hard. In the midst of trials, mom duties don’t stop. I want to surround myself with others who are chasing Jesus. Friends who are rooted in the Word and those that will speak Truth to me in love when I’m feeling sorry for myself about something silly. Those who I can be vulnerable with about the really hard days as a mom or as a wife. Women who will walk beside me and pray with me. This is the community that Christ calls us into and it can bring so much joy as we journey through motherhood.
Whatever season of motherhood you are in, I pray that you can find true, long-lasting joy in the midst of these busy and beautiful years.
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