I saw it. I saw it on a bike ride.
Women used to tell me this—it gets better!—when I was in your stage, nursing babes and teaching colors. And I wanted to believe them, but part of me felt like I’d be stuck forever in this new normal, as if that’s what parenting is—spooning up mashed peas and playing Patty Cake. Surely that’s part of it, in the beginning. But there’s this whole world of raising older kids that comes next—and a realm beyond that called The Teen Years that would terrify me, were it not for so many mom friends who’ve lived the tale and today are able to encourage me from experience that high school can be such a wonderful time in the kids’ lives and mine.
And once again, I want to believe them.
I’m choosing to believe them.
Will you choose to believe me today?
It gets better.
You think you love your snuggly newborn now. Just wait until you see him kicking his first soccer goal. Your heart will burst out of your chest!
You think you love that macaroni art project your child brought home from summer VBS. Just wait until she earns that scholarship to the College of Fine Arts. How your momma pride will swell!
And you think that handsome young man in the cap and gown, or that beautiful young woman in the wedding dress, is the culmination of all your years of training, teaching, nurturing and loving till your head hurt. Just wait until those children lay their first babies in your grandma arms. I hear it’s a love like no other.
It gets better, dear moms. Because we belong to a God who, even in the midst of unavoidable trials and growing pains, continues to shower us with blessing upon blessing.
“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given” (John 1:16).
So whether you’re biking the trails or stuck at home while the baby naps, join me in a little moment of praise to the One who gave us this gift of children. They will change your life—for the better.
Blessings,
Becky
