The Phases of a Mother's Life

It seems like just yesterday I was changing diapers, up for nighttime feedings, and rocking my son to sleep. 

Before I knew it, he was going off to school...first preschool, then kindergarten. Those were emotional times for this young mom.

Of course, when middle school and the teenage years hit, I wasn't as sad, as I was anxious and frustrated...as his emotions and unpredictable behaviors kicked in overdrive!

High school was more of a time of honing in on his interests, gifts, and talents. Encouraging more responsibility and preparing him to be an independent young man.

High school graduation was more of a relief...we got him through his basic schooling. Then it was time for seeking out a college and career path...

There were many side-tracks before making a decision about what he wanted to do with his life. Patience,  loving advice, and encouragement were top on my list. Sometimes, I wondered if he was ever going to make a decision about his future.

Moving out, getting his full independence from us, his parents was what I had anticipated for so long. But it surprised me how great an effect his absence had on me.(on us) 

Now, we are officially "empty-nesters". It sounded great to me at first, but there definitely have been some changes and adjustments that I have had to get used to... am still getting used to. 

Why, on some days, do I feel so old? Maybe it's because my baby is now 20, going on 21. Our oldest, in her 30s now, and has made me a grandma 3 times over, and her oldest is a teenager, now! (Unforturnately, we don't see them much.)

Maybe it's because, it seems like the days, months, years, just seem to spin out of control and are gone so quickly, now-a-days.

 

I know there are more phases yet to come in my life as a mother. But, I look back and see each phase I've gone through was unique, special, and  had a purpose. Some were more pleasant than others. Some years were a true test of my faith, patience, love, perseverance, and trust in the Lord. 

 

 

I spent many days and nights on my knees in prayer, pleading with God to guide and protect my children, my son especially, since he was with us from birth. 

 

Such an array of emotions and memories for this mother! What joys and sorrows...the phases of a mother's life! 

As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminded of each of these phases, thanking God for all He has provided! He has walked with me through each one of them and answered many of my prayers, some not how I would have chosen, but how He chose for me and my children. Thank you, Jesus!

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Hear It on Sunday/Use It on Monday (Michelle DeRusha)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life) 
 Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)  
 Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
 UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)
Wordless Wednesday @ BlogShe 
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace)
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
Faith Filled Friday @ Missional Women