This year as a mother has been the most amazing, but also the most challenging I have ever experienced.
Constantly doubting yourself, finding a balance between motherhood, career, marriage and life in general has been difficult. Never knowing if what you are doing is right or enough and accepting that postpartum is forever.
I have gained so many life lessons in this short journey of being a mom (P.S I am still constantly learning and growing).
TO NAME JUST A FEW:
NO 1. POWER OF SUPPORTIVE WOMEN
Having a circle of women supporting you, cheering you on and most importantly reminding you to take care of yourself, is priceless... If you aren't taken care of (mentally, emotionally, physically) how will you be able to give your all when taking care of your children. Numerous people have confirmed this and I can personally testify to the power of supportive women.
Forever grateful for friends, mothers and mentors that help and encourage me in this new season of motherhood.
NO 2. EMBRACE GRACE
Having grace with yourself, but also knowing that His grace is sufficient for you is a game changer (2 Cor 12:9).
By having grace with yourself the journey of motherhood will be what God intends it to be- filled with love, joy and peace. His grace for you means that you no longer have to feel inadequate. You are not perfect, and you never will be in this life. You need God's grace to think of your life and everything around you as God does.
His grace is given freely; embrace it.
NO 3. MY IDENTITY IS FOUND IN HIM AND NOT A ROLE
I have to constantly remind myself that my identity is found in Him and not in what I do (aka motherhood). Ensuring my cup is filled with His Word and promises, to ensure the enemy does not have room to place doubt in my heart is vital.
I often get caught up in the question: “Who am I really?” and then try to find my identity in what I do, being a student, a lawyer, and now a mother. I do, however know that I will never truly be happy or fulfilled if my identity is not found in Him, because I will constantly fail in these roles.
He declares so many wonderful promises over us. We are unique, beautiful, called for greatness, loved, and most importantly saved by grace. No one, but Him will be able to fill that void; that longing you so desperately try to fill with earthly things, so remain in Him. Speak and believe that you are more than enough.
NO 4. RAISING CHILDREN IS A GIFT, BUT ALSO THE BIGGEST RESPONSIBILITY
When the world speaks fear over us (raising children in this day and age can be daunting), I pray that our focus will shift to Him and remember that we are never alone. He sends us another advocate, the Holy Spirit, to help and guide us (Joh 14:16).
Even though the journey of raising a child is the most important thing you’ll ever do and probably the most difficult, you learn to trust God in the journey.
There is no greater gift, but also responsibility than raising a child.
NO 5. LETTING GO AND TRUSTING GOD
I've learnt to stop "figuring" it all out (you never will). Let go and let God and be sensitive for that still small voice. He will always be there to guide you even when life’s circumstances seem to cloud your view.
When I feel overwhelmed, I have to bring myself back into the presence of God. For in His presence there is fulness of joy, in His presence we encounter Him personally, we build up strength, we find peace and, in the stillness, we know He is there.
My favourite verse of all time: "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" Psalm 46:10
NO 6. LIVE IN THE MOMENT
There will be difficult times, but even better moments... Enjoy and take in every single one of them, even the difficult times, for it too shall pass. Be present, cherish every minute, for it really goes by too fast.
These are just a few of the profound lessons I’ve gained through the journey of motherhood.