10 Lessons in 10 Years as a Mother
Written By: Anna Joy
Do you need some motherhood encouragement? Recently my oldest turned 10, which has me reflecting on the past decade and my motherhood journey. Here are 10 lessons I have learned since becoming a mama:
1. Lean on Jesus and trust Him with all your heart. Seek and ask Him for help. Search His Word for guidance and instruction. Be a doer of the Word.
2. Embrace today and live in the present. Choose joy and count your blessings. Look for the beauty in the simple and ordinary. Do not wish for a different season.
3. Establish order and create daily rhythms. Children thrive with consistency and it's so helpful to have a basic flow to keep everyone steady.
4. Slow down and simplify. Rushing and full days quickly create chaos. It's hard to keep a tidy home, prepare healthy food, and train children when gone too much. Focus on what is truly important and let the extra stuff go. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle brings so much peace and freedom.
5. Make time for things that you love. We do not have to lose ourself in motherhood. Build little pockets in your day to do things that spark joy. Create a life that you don't need a break from.
6. Involve and include your children in caring for the home. Let them "help" even if it slows you down. This is teaching them valuable skills that will set them up for success in life. Plus, it is building strong relationships. Enjoy your children and train them to be productive members of the household.
7. Read lots of books out loud, especially the Bible. Diligently teach your children about Jesus and His Word.
8. Listen to music, sing, and praise the Lord! This helps keep everyone in a good mood. Worship the Lord while you care for your family and home.
9. Fuel your body and family with real, whole foods. God did not design our bodies to consume fake and processed foods. Most behavioral issues and mental struggles are caused by poor diet. Eating junk= feeling like junk.
10. Spend lots of time outside and stretch those muscles. Fresh air and exercise does wonders for everyone. It's basically a "cure-all" for pretty much everything. Enjoy God's great outdoors!
I can't believe how fast the past 10 years have gone by. Truly the days are long but the years short. Motherhood has been such a blessing—it is a sacred calling. I have changed, grown, and been stretched in many ways. Motherhood is very sanctifying. I am thankful for the four precious souls that the Lord has entrusted into my care. My children are such a joy and I love being their mama.
“The process of shaping the child…shapes also the mother herself. Reverence for her sacred burden calls her to all that is pure and good, that she may teach primarily by her own humble, daily example.” -Elisabeth Elliot
“A mother is a chalice, the vessel without which no human being has ever been born. She is created to be a life-bearer, cooperating with her husband and with God in the making of a child. What a solemn responsibility. What an unspeakable privilege—a vessel divinely prepared for the Master’s use.” -Elisabeth Elliot
Anna Joy is a blessed wife and mama who lives in the rugged countryside of Ontario Canada. She has been married for 11 wonderful years and is so thankful to be able to stay home with their 4 children. She loves homemaking, homesteading, homeschooling, and everything else home-centered. It is her desire to help encourage other women to embrace their biblical calling as wives and mamas. To step out in faith and obey God's Word because that is the only way to find true peace, joy, and contentment.
Anna can be found at her Facebook page.
