it's crazy how time flies

Today, I sit before my computer contemplating my future. I am so excited for this new chapter I’m entering into. Being a stay-at-home mom was an answer to prayer, but I have to admit there were times when I felt insignificant and alone. Parenting is no easy job, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. I would like to say that I have a vast wealth of knowledge to share with you now that my youngest is in kindergarten. But I really don’t. Nevertheless, here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Kids grow up. Way too fast. I know that seems like a worn out cliché, but it is a truth that rings with 100% certainty. I look back now and it’s hard to believe that my little babies are both in school. I’m left wondering; How did this happen so fast? Just the other day, I was cuddling them while I fed them; rocking them to sleep with sweet lullabies and holding them close. Those oh-so-sweet moments passed by in the blink of an eye. And while I’m ready to move forward, I understand how critical it is to enjoy each stage, even the hard ones. 

Don’t take a single day for granted. Despite how it feels in the moment, like it’s dragging on forever, it all ends so quickly. Cherish the days you have with your little one. 

If you’re a new mom or soon to be, please remember this. Cuddle, hold, love on your child as often as you can—even if the sink is full of dirty dishes, the dust is inches thick, and your living room is a minefield of toys. Never mind. None of that matters, not in terms of eternity. What does matter is that your little one needs you. Hold them tight. It may be the most important thing you do all day. 

Here’s another piece of advice; don’t spend your time in regret or self-doubt. Of course you’re going to make mistakes. But that’s okay. You’ll learn from them. When my oldest was born it was a tough adjustment.  It was hard to have him at the center of my world. Up to this point, life had been all about me. Even now, I look back and wish I would have made the most of those first days. But I’ve learned from them and am intentional about spending time with my not-so-little ones now.  Don’t look back with regret, move forward and focus on what you have before you now. It will make you a better parent.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Yea, I know another tired cliché but it’s so true. I sweated over so many problems; potty training, my daughter walking on her tip toes for over two years, my son’s junk food phase. I wondered and worried about all of it thinking these problems would never be resolved. And guess what. They were. Just like that. Even the most miserable experiences will be forgotten. Even now, I have times when I worry, but I’m learning to see each stage as a phase and trust that, eventually, things will get going in the right direction.

Last but not least, keep your eye on eternity. Remember that your children are a gift from God—entrusted to you—for however many days God gives you. Remember that God is their Father. He will take care of them, He will watch over them. Most importantly of all, He will help you to train them up in the way they should go. Remember the end goal; keep it always in mind. And when you feel lost in a mountain of laundry, or steeped in guilt because of a bad decision—feeling like you’re doing everything wrong, just keep at it. It will turn out right in the end. That’s God’s promise, not mine.

Proverbs 22:6

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.