I still have so many posts circulating in my mind about lessons I have learned in my first year as a new mom. I have learned so many, where do I start? Often I feel like I should just give up on the whole baby talk on here and just resort to a fashion post or a post about friendship or something. And it's then, when I feel this way, that I get an encouraging email or message from a sweet reader who is on the brink of giving birth or is a few months into the whole mom thing. It's always encouraging to know that a little post can help encourage someone who is overwhelmed or feeling stressed out by motherhood.
I've been really realizing lately that there is one thing that affects everything about motherhood, and it's the one thing that I have been the laziest about. You can exercise, journal, get together with girlfriends for coffee, or grab a drink with your hubby on date night-- all fine and good things to keep your sanity-- but if you aren't diving into the Word each day, your energy and well-being as a mother/wife will still keep trucking on empty. And every day when you wake up, about to serve those kiddos of yours yet again, you will feel wiped out all over again.
This all comes from my own life lesson. I'm saying this because this is where I failed. I have literally gone almost a whole year without steady, consistent Bible reading, prayer and devotional time with God each day. Sure, I've read my Bible, I've said some prayers. But really diving in and getting real with God? No, that hasn't happened in quite some time.
After listening to a sermon on prayer on Sunday, and enjoying my first women's Bible study group this Tuesday after a long summer break, it really hit me just how much time I have not spent with Jesus. It's humbling and embarrassing to admit. But far too often enough, I wake up each morning to Eden's stirring, go in and get her, make her breakfast and then just get my day going. Cleaning, organizing, starting laundry, you name it. I just get going. And my priorities are all screwed up.
I have started trying to wake up before my sweet girl each morning. She's usually a pretty predictable waker-- usually around 7 AM. The times that I have started each morning in the Word before she wakes have dramatically different results. Often times, I am less high-strung, stressed out, angry, or frustrated. I notice that things roll off my back quicker. I have more patience. I love more unconditionally. I am calm. My expectations of others and what they are or are not doing for me changes. I am less "me" focused.
Now that I'm a year into this thing, I can say-- learn from me!
Have a baby but don't forget about that Bible!
I've been really realizing lately that there is one thing that affects everything about motherhood, and it's the one thing that I have been the laziest about. You can exercise, journal, get together with girlfriends for coffee, or grab a drink with your hubby on date night-- all fine and good things to keep your sanity-- but if you aren't diving into the Word each day, your energy and well-being as a mother/wife will still keep trucking on empty. And every day when you wake up, about to serve those kiddos of yours yet again, you will feel wiped out all over again.
This all comes from my own life lesson. I'm saying this because this is where I failed. I have literally gone almost a whole year without steady, consistent Bible reading, prayer and devotional time with God each day. Sure, I've read my Bible, I've said some prayers. But really diving in and getting real with God? No, that hasn't happened in quite some time.
After listening to a sermon on prayer on Sunday, and enjoying my first women's Bible study group this Tuesday after a long summer break, it really hit me just how much time I have not spent with Jesus. It's humbling and embarrassing to admit. But far too often enough, I wake up each morning to Eden's stirring, go in and get her, make her breakfast and then just get my day going. Cleaning, organizing, starting laundry, you name it. I just get going. And my priorities are all screwed up.
I have started trying to wake up before my sweet girl each morning. She's usually a pretty predictable waker-- usually around 7 AM. The times that I have started each morning in the Word before she wakes have dramatically different results. Often times, I am less high-strung, stressed out, angry, or frustrated. I notice that things roll off my back quicker. I have more patience. I love more unconditionally. I am calm. My expectations of others and what they are or are not doing for me changes. I am less "me" focused.
Now that I'm a year into this thing, I can say-- learn from me!
Have a baby but don't forget about that Bible!
Reading refuels... which is needed on an empty, exhausted "mom tank."
The Word of God resatisfies -- but it won't make you gain weight when you're trying to lose the baby weight ;)
It rehydrates-- when you're so thirsty from nursing.
It refreshes and renews-- like a good, deep sleep. And we all know those first couple of weeks as a new mom you are running on literally.no.sleep.
And even if you don't have time to read, I've found that just talking to God while I rock Eden or change her diaper or take her on a walk down to the park even helps! I am at least connecting with God. They say that prayer changes everything, and I've really noticed that to be true, too. Also, these are good habits that I want Eden and our future children observing. I'll always remember seeing my mom read her Bible or having her devotional books laid out on the dining room table while she was deep in a study. I definitely want to be that kind of woman.
Now as a mom, more than ever, I need Jesus. I need to start my days with, "God, I'm exhausted, how am I going to do this all over again? I just need a break. I need more of you and less of me. Please give me strength."
Do you struggle with diving into the Word daily, too?
What has helped you stay consistent?
