In the Weeds
I have written about it before; the end of summer and cusp of fall is always a time of transition for us. This year is no exception. The wildness of summer slips away slowly, and we embrace more civilized routines. Time is always moving forward, and I find myself reflecting on all of the changes and insights we, as a family, have gleaned over the past decade
I think it’s common for a young mother to say “no one prepared me for…..”. During those first few years, I remember telling myself, “it’s only hard for a little while. When they are older and more independent it will get better”. The truth is double digits are just as difficult to navigate. The burden of this stage presents itself in an entirely different way. I may not be sleep deprived, but the mental capacity to deal with the bombardment of attitudes, arguments, and lack of social skills are just as energy depleting. This season is accompanied by the same yearnings for rest that I experienced as a new mother. I find myself saying again, “ it’s only hard for a little while, when they are older and more independent it will get better…”
I can finally see the pattern. I don’t believe the challenges of parenting will ever cease. I don’t believe raising children, even into adulthood, will stop being strenuous. Although we have not come to those chapters, I imagine this pattern to continue, manifesting in a different way.
The stressors of parenthood are beautiful opportunities to love-harder. To love into those spaces in my heart that opened up when you were born. I couldn't fathom how love could grow and would continue to grow everytime I exercise these muscles. I could not have fathomed how sacrificial and sacred the journey would have been for me. I am not the same woman I was 10 years ago. Looking back, I am proud of all of the challenges I have overcome and endured. Because of you, my little loves, I am better for it.
So while we are in the weeds of the tweens, I will stop telling myself it will get better, and embrace this time TODAY with great love and patience. It is in this process of endurance that I have grown in wisdom and, above all, love.
Welcome to Artifact Motherhood. This is a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come.
Go next to the wonderful artist, Diana Hagues to read her post in our blog circle.