God’s presence through baby giggles to teen talks

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

You know how when you are exhausted with a newborn or toddler and someone looks at you and says something like, “You’re going to miss this”? That always made me want to smack them. (And the Holy Spirit kept me in check to just give them a wry smile instead of a wallop.)

But – and it pains me to say this – this sentiment is pretty true. I do miss some parts of motherhood to babies and toddlers. I miss the version of themselves that my kids were back then even while enjoying the version of themselves they are right now.

However, I don’t miss everything. I remember the struggles and exhaustion. I’m OK with letting those slip into the past.

Through every single phase of motherhood, I have had moments of pure enjoyment and moments of pure stress. Yet in all times and every way, God has also been right there with me.

I remember talking to Him and pleading for help to get my baby boy to sleep because I was so utterly exhausted I couldn’t go on. I also remember praising Him for that same baby boy giving me his first smiles.

Sometimes in the fray of motherhood, it can be hard to see and feel the peace of God. In fact, sometimes we long for literal peace.

I do know, however, that one day I’ll miss this phase of parenthood just like I sometimes miss the others that have come before. Our children and parenting them is constantly changing.

Our Heavenly Father, though, is constantly faithful and true. In the midst of whatever phase we find ourselves in right now, we can trust He is with us.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to see you in the phase of motherhood I’m in right now. Give me presence of mind to really soak in and be present in this stage of my children’s lives. Fill me with your peace when I get overwhelmed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.