Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” As a mother, the journey of motherhood can be likened to the changing seasons in our Earth. Each one bringing with it its unique challenges, joys, and lessons. I am so grateful that the Lord allowed me to take this journey. In the 8 years of being a mother so far, I have already learned so much. Observing the seasons has taught me to endure in the challenging times and savor the sweet ones. You will be a mother for a lifetime, but seasons will change. Wishing yourself out of one and into the next is robbing yourself of the beauty of the journey. In this post, we’ll explore the seasons of motherhood through the lenses of sacrifice, nurturing, mentorship, and friendship.
4 Seasons of Motherhood
To be clear, these seasons of motherhood are not exclusive to one period of time or another. However, each one appears more predominant than the others at certain times over the course of motherhood. You will understand what I mean as we go on. Additionally, these seasons are not the only ones, but they are the ones that stand out the most to me.
The Season of Sacrifice
The season of sacrifice is one that all mothers experience at some point in their journey. This season is characterized by putting the needs of others before your own, making difficult choices, and sometimes even sacrificing your own dreams and desires. It’s a season of selflessness, and while it can be challenging, it’s also one of the most rewarding. In this season, mothers learn to give of themselves freely, love unconditionally, and put their families first.
This season shows up most noticeably during the newborn, infant and toddler years. Not to be overly dramatic, but three times I have been in this season, I felt like I was at the mercy of my child lol. Some people refer to this time period as “survival mode”. I mean, literal blood, sweat and tears goes into this season. The long, sleepless nights and, in my case, constant breastfeeding sessions left me feeling physically, mentally and emotionally drained. I felt like I had to give so much of myself to keep these little humans alive!
In another form of sacrifice, I often had to be very selective about what I could do and where I could go. I was exhausted and we had a baby at home which, quite honestly, was somewhat limiting at times. However, if I could offer you one piece of advice it’s this. Do not despise this season, no matter how hard it is. This season of motherhood taught me selfless, sacrificial love in a way nothing else could.
The Season of Nurturing
The season of nurturing is a beautiful and fulfilling season in motherhood. This season is characterized by pouring into your children, teaching them, and watching them grow. This is also a critical time to display for them an aspect of God’s character as you raise godly children. In you, and in their father, your children will understand unconditional love, compassion, and trust. It’s a season of warmth, comfort, and care. In this season, mothers learn the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children, and they take pride in their children’s accomplishments and growth.
This season overlaps with the previous one, however, it comes more into focus as you exit the toddler years and enter childhood. At this time, your baby is able to express themselves more and you can nurture them in a way that that they can understand. For example, this may mean cooking their favorite meals, tucking them in at night, showing enthusiastic praise at their accomplishments, and kissing their “boo-boos”. This can be a busy season, so make sure you check out my other posts about household items that are most helpful and how to optimize your time.
The Season of Mentorship
The season of mentorship is one that comes later in the journey of motherhood, as your children grow into young adults. This season is characterized by guiding your children, imparting wisdom, and helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. It’s a season of passing on your knowledge and experience to the next generation. In this season, mothers learn the importance of being a positive role model and providing guidance and support to their children, even as they become more independent.
Although I have not entered this season yet, I can almost be sure it will be the one filled with the most prayer lol! I just remember my middle school, high school and college years being a time of self identification. I had no idea who I was. In those times, I was experimenting, exploring and testing limits. Mentorship and guidance was something I desperately needed and received from a mom who I thought was too involved in my life lol. Thanks Mom! I know I kept her on her knees in prayer. If you haven’t yet, check out my motherhood prayer for son and motherhood prayer for daughter. You will want to have these handy :).
The Season of Friendship
The season of friendship is a unique and special season in motherhood. This season is characterized by building strong connections with your children as they grow into adults, and becoming friends with them. It’s a season of mutual respect, trust, and love. In this season, mothers learn the importance of listening to their children, supporting them, and being their cheerleader.
While you can be a playmate sometimes for your child when they are young, they should never lose sight of your authority. It is my personal belief that this season truly manifests with an adult child. As my mom used to tell me before I became an adult, “I’m not one of your little friends.” If you had a mama like mine, that statement didn’t need any further explanation. The meaning was clear lol. I am your mother, and I deserve your respect. However, as the child becomes an adult, the respect remains, but the nature of the relationship should change.
I am looking forward to the day when I will be able to hangout with my sons as friends. Because of the trust I have built with them in the previous seasons, I want them to be able to freely share their secrets with me and ask for advice. While it may be different type of friendship than it would be if I had daughters, I am anticipating a great bond with my sons.
Key Takeaway on the Seasons of Motherhood
In conclusion, the seasons of motherhood are a beautiful journey filled with unique challenges and joys. Whether you’re in the season of sacrifice, nurturing, mentorship, or friendship, know that each season has its own valuable lessons to teach. You are building a relationship built on trust with your child. Embrace each season with an open heart and a willingness to learn, and you’ll be rewarded with a journey that is both fulfilling and meaningful.
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Be blessed in the seasons of motherhood.
Ah, this is so so so good! I love your advice to not despise the “season of sacrifice.” Too often I have found myself wanting to move past this time in my children’s lives, and then when they are a bit older wishing I had been more intentional in that season. Or missing them being so small and adorable. 😄
There are, indeed, lessons to be learned in each stage of life and every season. I’ve felt like I have more to learn than my children and the Most High has taught me so much about myself through them/parenting.
Thank you! Yes, it’s funny how while we’re raising children, YAH is still raising us lol.