4 Encouragements for Moms Who Feel Like Time Is Flying By
Parenting
Audio By Carbonatix
By Alicia Searl, Crosswalk.com
Hey momma! I see you. I know the heavy heart you carry as you watch your precious little people grow up at operation warp speed. One day, you are softly singing those lullabies in that comfy glider, gazing at that sweet little bundle, and then you blink, and you're looking up at that wild teen of yours trying to have a serious or civil conversation.
The days are long, but the years are short. Time is a thief. Enjoy every moment.
You've heard them all, and while you know these gut-wrenching cliches hold a tinge of truth, you now stand at the precipice of a new season that reminds your heart just how quickly the years are flying by. The days have seemed to blend into years, time has become more of a gift, and while you know that your tiny humans really do grow up fast, you also can't believe you are living the life you earnestly prayed for. It has you reflecting on the past with fondness, gazing into the future with hope, all while sitting in the present moment, which is bound by fleeting time.
It's a lot for any momma to take in. I get it. I just sent my oldest daughter off to college a little over six weeks ago. My mighty middle daughter just attended a college fair day and is now begging to attend college out of state. And my youngest just turned ten! How is she in the double digits? Sniff, sniff.
If you feel like your babies are growing up way too quickly and time is flying by too fast, you aren't alone. I feel it too. Thankfully, we serve a God who is the keeper of all time and gives us glimmers of hope in each and every season. Let's find that hope together today and be encouraged as we fill up our cup with God's goodness.
1. It's Okay to Be Happy and Sad
As moms, we sure can experience a wide range of emotions, can't we? From the moment our tiny humans are placed in our shaky arms the tidal wave of emotions begins. Then, with each minuscule to monumental phase, new emotions emerge, and those suppressed feelings bring on that all too familiar lump in your throat. Sometimes we must laugh to keep from crying.
So, what are we to do with all these emotions? Well, I think we must first recognize that we were created as emotional beings by an emotional God. That means being a mom is emotionally complex and therefore takes us on a spiritual journey like no other. It pushes us in ways we never knew possible, as we learn to embrace moments that are filled with sheer joy and other times that are flooded with sadness or sorrow. The truth is, God does not waste a moment and will use each season to grow us as women, daughters, and mothers.
Read Zephaniah 3:17. This verse packs a powerful promise. Due to God's great love for us, He is present in our current circumstances, even when we battle unruly waves of emotions. Not only that, but our God delights in us (in you), singing over you in praise. Take a moment to let that beautiful image fill your heart. Next time you simply delight in your children, realize God is gazing on you with the purest of love as well.
2. Slow Down and Be Present
I still remember when my daughters were younger, and it seemed like we were always running late for things. Not due to minor meltdowns, which of course happened and made us late at times, but we ran late because I rushed them! Basically, I generally had meltdowns because they weren't moving "fast enough." Ugh. My little ones just wanted to stop and smell the roses or watch the caterpillar creep across the sidewalk, because everything was new and exciting. They saw each day as a precious gift.
However, being a girl who doesn't like being late, but also one who doesn't always prepare ahead of time, I did not really take this "time to be in awe and wonder" into account. Thankfully, over the years, God has chiseled me in this area. I haven't completely mastered the art of slowing down, but I am working on it and trying to be more intentional.
As moms, it is so easy for us to look back at the past with fondness or gaze into the future with anticipation, yet fail to be content and sit in peace in our current season. That's why I love the truth woven into Matthew 18:3-4, as it shares a tender reminder to approach our faith like a child. And as most children do, they hold a sense of wonder and are open and receptive to the world around them. I don't know what season of motherhood you are in, but I would invite you to seek God with a soft and willing heart, longing to slow down and take notice of how He is moving in your life. Then strive to be intentional, and make the most of this present time.
3. Realize That Some Seasons Will Be Better Than Others
I probably don't have to tell you this, but motherhood is hard, no matter what season you are in. Just as summer collapses into fall and winter blooms into spring, motherhood is ever evolving and always changing, thereby changing us. That said, some seasons will be easier or more enjoyable than others. So, keep in mind that as seasons unfold and bring the harsh reality that time is slipping through your fingers, I assure you a new season is on the horizon, and can always whisper sweet hope.
Even still, you may be wondering what to do in the meantime. There is no simple answer; however, what I can say is that sometimes we just must tackle it a day at a time by leaning into the Holy Spirit for guidance. Also consider seeking help and support from a trusted group of faithful sisters. If you are not part of a faith-based support group, consider asking your church about starting a group or explore the possibility of forming one in your community. We all need to be reminded that the real light at the end of the tunnel is the light we have in Jesus!
4. Choose Joy and Have Fun!
We're told we only have eighteen summers with our kids, and while that may be true, I would encourage you to see each season (including spring, fall, and winter) as an opportunity to create space for special memories to be made. The truth is, each season holds beauty. If we shift our perspective and find ways to utilize our time to really foster relationships within our families, we see that even the simplest of moments can be such a blessing.
Whether you hit up a fall festival, ice skate in the winter, plant flowers in the spring, or swim your cares away in the summertime, there will always be a choice to make. While we need to attend to our responsibilities, sometimes the dishes and laundry can wait. Sometimes we must take a moment and be fully present. Giving our children our time and valuing them with our undivided attention is one of the biggest blessings we have, and it lets them know how much we enjoy being their mom.
On the other hand, please don't misunderstand or let guilt fester if life has gotten away from you and you haven't been able to give your children the time they need or deserve. Sweet momma, I understand, as I have suffered from that same momma guilt. However, the good news is that there is always a place to start over and for grace to freely flow. Start today and choose joy, have fun, and be present.
My Prayer for You
Gracious God, I lift up the momma reading this today. I humbly ask You to grant her peace and draw near when her heart is heavy and sentimental moments turn into bittersweet emotions or a sting of tears. Give her opportunities to experience the depth of Your love as she raises her family and relies on Your goodness and faithfulness. Grant her the ability to pause and slow down in order to savor the time with her precious people. Allow her to experience joy in this current season of motherhood and find peace in this present time. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
