The young mother… the hardships she faced at 25…

There were abundant blessings— the most wonderful husband, alignment of the dream, making things work even when it meant long hours and hard hard jobs. Pregnancy much younger than we planned— a baby at 25.

She walked so the mom at 31 could jog…*I can’t say run because I must leave room for future me*

I look back on this 25 year old face - baby jackson literally striking a pose with pursed lips - and to be honest, I see joy, some struggle (the kind that brings you to your knees) but mostly- joy. In hind site, I know she began her motherhood with post partum depression and anxiety, money was tight, resources were scarce. But my God, there was joy. There was pride in this boy and complete disbelief that we had been blessed with this baby… she walked.

I see today this nearly 32 year old women. In a home she calls her own, after some beautiful years in our rental with cherished memories made. Her hair has thinned, the worry lines have set a bit deeper, and she sits with her third boy. He’s quickly approaching 3… a turning point from any remaining baby to full toddler/approaching kid. I know she worries about her business, her oldest at school, her middle falling through the cracks and this baby growing quickly.

She is only 7 years older, but she is all the wiser… she jogs.

As mothers, we feel each season, each age so deeply. It is because we are acutely aware of how quickly these babies grow… because as mothers, we ourselves are growing faster than anyone. New bodies, new babies, new routines, new schools, new activities, new friends… as they grow, we must grow.

Seven years from one, two, to the last. Many jobs, hats, titles… many date nights, never enough quality time with your person, yet all the time to coo over how adorable the kids are… and many seasons of motherhood, always changing, never the same, but offering lessons along the way.

For God’s grace and glory is in all that we face… all that we do and accomplish, all that we fail at and pull ourselves back up from. When we allow ourselves to lean into his mercy’s, can we then, fully glorify his blessings.

Still learning. Faithfully.
Xx,
MacK