The 4 Words That Changed My Perspective on Parenting

When I was eight months pregnant, I asked my brother-in-law what his number one piece of parenting advice would be.

He responded with four impactful words: “This too shall pass.”

I didn’t realize how significant that parenting advice would be for me until I had my son, Sutton. I faced hardship with my little guy that I hadn’t quite expected as a new mom, but I have also had the sweetest moments of my life with him. He is currently in the toddler stage and in the midst of his tantrums and “terrible two’s”.

In this time, I have learned so much about my selfishness and ability to lean toward the negative rather than focusing on the positive. These four words have been a strong reminder for me that each season of hardship is fleeting, but that the immeasurable beauty of each moment passes even more quickly.

Dear friends, if you are in a season of motherhood or fatherhood where you feel completely drained, you are not alone. And if you just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter how hard you search, I pray that these four words encourage your heart today.

“This too shall pass.”

In the moments when life feels like one big blur as you adjust to a crying newborn, late night feedings and little to no sleep – this too shall pass.

During the season when your nine-month-old is in and out of the doctor’s office because you can’t figure out why they are spitting up, not eating, not sleeping or they just can’t seem to be put down for more than five minutes – this too shall pass.

When your two-year-old toddler’s favorite word to scream is, “NO!”, when hitting/biting/throwing tantrums in every public place becomes the new norm and discipline seems never ending – this too shall pass.

In the months that nine-years-old means continuous fights with their siblings from morning until night and you feel like you can’t handle settling one more argument – this too shall pass.

When your 16-year-old experiments with temptation or battles bullying or peer pressure and you feel defenseless in protecting or guiding
them – this too shall pass.

And when your little baby goes off to college and you see that they need you a little less each day and have nearly forgotten the time and love that you have invested into their every moment – this too shall pass.

In parenting, both the immense love and worry that we feel for our kids won’t ever fade. The hardship simply changes and shifts as our babies grow a little bit bigger each year.

But friends, what we need to remember is that the sweetest moments of parenthood will pass even more quickly.

The moments of holding a new, sweet-smelling baby in your two arms and snuggling them so closely.
The feeling of having one of the greatest responsibilities in the world in caring for someone who can’t yet care for themselves.
The first noises, coos and giggles that make your heart feel like it’s going to explode with joy.
This too shall pass.

The cutest, most mispronounced words you’ve ever heard.
The very first time ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ are spoken from their sweet little mouths.
The snuggles, strangling neck hugs and I love you’s.
And the realization that you are the only person in their little world as important and special as you.
This too shall pass.

The moments of sweet adventure when they see something for the very first time with you by their side.
Having the opportunity to teach them pivotal life lessons like respect, loyalty, responsibility and kindness.
Watching each day as they grow into a little human being that you’re so incredibly proud to be raising.
This too shall pass.

Talking them through their nervousness as you help them get ready for their first school dance.
Holding them tightly as they cry tears on your shoulder when they experience their first real heartbreak.
Walking them down the aisle as you watch them take on the world with someone they love so deeply.
This too shall pass.

Let us not forget that with the challenges of parenting also come the sweetest moments that we won’t ever get back. On the days when it feels like frustration and defeat have won, I pray that we will remember that each moment fades as quickly as it comes.

To parents of kids of all ages: God sees you. He knows your tears, your trials and your pains. He knows the longing of your heart in wanting the absolute best for your children. He shares the pain that you feel for them when they hurt. In the moments when you just feel like giving up (even though you know you never could) and in the moments where you long for the “easier” days, allow Him to whisper these four sweet words to bring peace to your heart:

“This too shall pass.”

This article originally appeared on sparrowsandlily.com. Used with permission. 

Related: Listen to our new parenting podcast, Rise Up to Raise Up Faith-Filled Kids:

Lindsey Maestas is a lifestyle blogger, wife and mom based in Albuquerque, NM. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Crosswalk.com, Relevant Magazine, Faith.It, Focus on the Family, Good Housekeeping and more. She speaks vulnerably about the challenges of relationships and real life with the goal of reminding others that they’re never alone. She received her degree in Journalism and loves to read, eat tacos and binge-watch Netflix. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter or visit her blog at sparrowsandlily.com.

Image courtesy: ©Thinkstock/monkeybusinessimages

Publication date: September 19, 2017