3 Quick Lessons Motherhood Has Taught Me

Happy Mother’s Day!

I can’t believe its already my third mother’s day!

In true Michelle fashion, I’ve been spending a lot of time leading into today thinking about all that motherhood has taught me in this short time. 

When I found out I was pregnant with Raelynn, I knew that I was taking on a big task. What I didn’t know is that in our time together, she would end up teaching me just as many life lessons that I would teach her. 

This has honestly been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I often think about how God put Raelynn in my life to teach me lessons that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. There are 3 things though that have stuck with me heavily over the past couple of years.

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1.You don’t have to do life alone

My introduction to motherhood left me feeling extremely vulnerable. From the moment I found out I was pregnant I dealt with physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles. It was hard. I wanted to be everything to Raelynn that my mama was to me, and so many other amazing mamas I knew were to their children. I didn’t want to ask for help initially because (stupidly) I felt as if I wasn’t enough for her if I did. But this couldn’t have been farthest from the truth. If you’re a mama and you’re struggling to ask for help, just ask and don’t make the same mistake I did. You will do more harm to yourself and your baby trying to juggle it all on your own. We aren’t meant to do life alone and God placed the people He placed in our life for a reason. Yes it will be hard, yes it may not always be “ideal” but never believe the lie that you aren’t enough for your little one. You are more than enough. Trust and believe that God has already graced you for your journey. This goes for any and everything too! Beyond motherhood, you are enough. 

2. You can’t judge a book by its cover, no matter how much you think you know

Whew. This was one of my first lessons.

I used to see kids fall out in grocery stores and just walk the other way and make a judgmental grunt. Now, I just want to run-up to the parents and give them a hug because…been there, done that. Raising mini humans that will one day change the world is not easy. It’s even harder though when you walk around with the guilt (whether placed on you by others OR yourself) that you’re doing it wrong. Give yourself grace mama but most importantly give others grace. Point of the matter is, all of our walks are different and it’s so easy to think about what you will and won’t do in a certain situation. Odds are though that you won’t know until you’re there. A prayer that’s been heavy on my heart lately is asking God to see others the way He sees them. I’ve learned that when I stop looking at people through worldly eyes I can’t help but learn how to properly love them. Life is hard and you never know when you’ll face a new giant. But when you do face a new giant, I’m sure you want people to love you through it not judge you through it.

3. You can only lead by example

Contrary to my initial understanding of parenting, this isn’t a dictatorship. I can’t control my daughter’s every thought, action, and movement…and that’s ok. It’s part of her development and some lessons we only learn the hard way. I can’t count the number of times growing up my mom told me not to touch the stove and I got burnt (literally LOL). Despite my stubbornness, (which I must say genetics are real) I came out ok. 

I can’t control every situation in life but I can control my own actions in every situation. I’m luckily dealing with a 2-year-old right now not a 16-year-old so my every movement still fascinates her. She’s always watching and emulating me. Although at times it’s funny and cute it’s also extremely important. I can tell her to keep her play area clean or I can start cleaning and vacuuming and watch her spring into action doing the same. I can just tell her a relationship with Christ is important or I can include her in my daily prayer and worship time so she can see first hand what it’s like to have a relationship with Him. 

Breaking generational curses start with me.

I’ve been convicted lately to not enforce anything onto her that I’m not practicing myself. I have to put some skin in this game too. There’s a reason why God sent Christ on this Earth to endure the very same temptations we face on a daily. We can’t preach what we don’t practice. 

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Motherhood is a journey I don’t think I could’ve done without all the strong mamas I know by my side. I have older sisters that have taught me the importance of hard work and prayer. A mother-in-law that has shown me what it means to love someone like your own child. Aunts that have shown me the importance of a supportive community. Friends that have shown me the importance of loving on those around you. And spiritual mamas that have shown me that there’s no way we could do this without God.

There’s one woman I definitely couldn’t have tackled motherhood without. From the start of my life, she has poured her all into me like no other. I definitely would not be the woman I am today without my mama by my side. I often think about how kind, selfless, and strong she is. There’s so much about her that I see in Raelynn which is probably why Raelynn has always been obsessed with her “GiGi”. There are not many things I can’t run to her about because I know her heart, it often reflects the unconditional love God shows us and I’m beyond thankful that God chose her to be my mama. 

So today, I honor not only her but all the mamas of the world. 

Remember, you are more than enough for your little one and you are graced for this journey.

XO

Michelle