It’s Going to be Ok.

I spoke with a pastor recently. I came in with my list of (I thought) philosophical questions, ready to ask about spiritual warfare and identity in Christ. Instead, I ended up rambling for close to 40 minutes about well… life. More specifically, my life, and it’s ups and downs. He said many things during our meeting which I would qualify as wise, and some have stuck with me. The sentence he started off with though (after I had blabbed at him for probably 20 minutes) was, “I think you need to hear that it’s going to be ok”.

It’s going to be ok. As a new mom, it’s all too easy to get wrapped up in everything. Changing diapers, a feeding schedule, nap time, balancing social life with home life, balancing work and family, balancing your relationship with your spouse and the relationship with your child. You come home from the hospital and surprise! you are now a family of 3 instead of a couple. It’s one of the biggest and best blessings on this earth to start a family. It’s also one of the most difficult transitions.

I have loved motherhood. Every aspect has filled me with joy. Even the early morning feedings and dirty diapers don’t get under my skin. That said, I did not recognize until my pastor said this how hard it is to become a mom. Your world goes from revolving around one person (yourself) to revolving around another (your baby). Your very being feels tied to this little human, your happiness and joy stem from them, yet so do your worries and doubts. You are elated watching them grow and other times racked with guilt that you waited too long to give them the bottle or didn’t respond quick enough to their cry.

Yes, motherhood is a gift. But, this does not negate that motherhood is also a challenge.

So, as you tuck your little one in tonight only to hear them begin crying in their crib after story time, prayer and a bottle (my current reality), remember, it’s going to be ok. This does not mean it will be easy. But, regardless, I think we still need to hear it. It’s going to be ok.

A Prayer for the Transition to Motherhood

Lord, When you call us to motherhood, you call us to a sacred space. A space filled with love and joy. A space filled with doubts and fears. You place a little being into our lives to walk alongside and guide towards you. What a gift! And what a challenge. I ask that you come alongside all the mama’s out there, taking their hand and guiding them just as we guide our children. Thank you for the gift that is motherhood, Lord. For the precious moments it provides. Thank you that, even when it seems impossible to stay up all night again with a sick child or change another dirty diaper, for reminding us that it’s going to be ok. Amen