To the mom who just birthed new life into the world; your whole world changed in an instant. Your heart swells with a love you have never felt before. You always wondered what a mother's love felt like, you never knew, you never fully understood, but now you do. You look at the little helpless baby in your arms, eyes shut tight, mouth quivering, you hear her breathe, and you are filled with awe. You realize you have no idea how to do this, but you resolve that you will try, and you promise that baby you will do anything and everything for her...
To the mom of the precious baby who outgrew all of her newborn clothes, and you wonder how it all happened so fast. Where did the days go? They seemed so long, so draining, but now you see how quickly they came and went and you barely blinked. You tried to see and remember, but it is all a blur, and you feel like you missed it. You pack away the newborn clothes, hoping to put them on another tiny body one day. You stop, and notice the tears dripping from your eyes, and you miss the days when it was all fresh and new...
To the mom whose baby just took her first steps; you delight in the wonder of it. You cheer and applaud, pick her up and spin her around. You tell her how proud you are and she wiggles out of your arms, longing for freedom to explore the world to which she now has full access. You put her down and watch her go, and you ache a little in your heart because she doesn't need you as much as she did before...
To the mom whose pregnancy test is positive after multiple miscarriages. You look at the test and want to believe it is real, but you doubt and you worry that this one will end like the others. You pray and hope for one more day with your baby because one more day of pregnancy is one day closer to a holding her in your arms. The fear holds onto you and you tell it to leave you alone. It will not take hold of you...
To the mom who is preparing for her second baby. You open the box of old clothes from your first child to put in the washer, and you can't help but cry. All the memories and emotions flood your mind as you pull out each outfit one by one, and you remember each moment it was worn. You fathom how you will ever love another child as much as you love your first, and you pray that you will. Your heart pounds, your baby kicks, and you imagine how different things will be when she is born...
To the mom with the newborn baby and toddler taking her first lone trip to the grocery store with kids in tow. You fill the bellies, wipe the booties, and pray they will both be calm and quiet. You push your cart and gather your supplies from your well-thought-out list. You hurry through the store, knowing that your baby will be hungry when she wakes. You make it to the check-out line, a mile long, and then she stirs and startles and screams, and they all look at you. You melt and wish the stares would fade...
To the mom whose babies are out of diapers, out of cribs, out of baby clothes, and you decide it is time to rid your house of it. You feel the ache in your heart, and try to hold on to a few precious items. You slowly sort, each item bringing back a flood of memories, every outfit, toy, and book sends you to the years past. You think of every stage that you wished would go by faster, and now you wish you could do it again. Your heart hurts, but then it swells when you see the glow, the joy on the new mom's face whom you have blessed with your things, your treasures. You wonder if she will know all the memories they hold, and you delight to see that they will hold many new memories in the years to come...When the days are long, the nights are hard, you want to quit, and you think no one sees how hard it is,
He can comfort any hurt you have felt, and forgive any mistake you have made.
Hug your kids, hold them tight, look deep into their eyes, see straight to their hearts, and fully feel the love you have for them. Then lift your eyes to heaven and meet the gaze of your Father as He looks at you. He sees straight to your heart through all the scars and bruises, and loves you even more.
Let the deepest parts of you embrace, cling to, and rest in that love. Settle in it, dwell there, and listen to the words Your Father says to you. Spend time with Him, draw your value and worth from what He thinks of you, and mother your children from that place of blessed assurance.
Hold your kids tight, and tell them about the One who holds your hand when you're steady, holds you up when you're shaky, and carries you when you fall. He is the greatest gift you can give them.
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