It was on a quiet pier jutting out into Lake Ontario, just the two of us. Resting my head on his lap gazing at the pale blue sky on a lone picnic bench, we quietly spoke about starting a family. Even years before, while at school I knew in my heart I longed for the day to become a mom, to raise a family and creatively introduce them into God’s world. Putting my teaching career on the back burner was not an issue, it was a wonderful pivot into a new role. Blessed with almost immediate pregnancy the journey began. Now a new phase of journaling had begun. I added the ‘What to expect…’ books to my bedside table and a journal that walks you through every moment as the baby develops. Room to write all the details underneath each week was easy, I had time! I noted every appointment, my changes and what my heart was saying. Sounds a bit cheesy but I think of how much effort I put into becoming a teacher, the role of mom needed some effort too!

 

Taking notes… that was easy. What I wasn’t doing was note taking for future issues we all know now moms have with babies : crying and not knowing what to do, not eating enough, not gaining enough weight, which soother, how to I put them in the dang sling, what diapers, wipes, bum cream, cradle cap- who knew, circumcision, belly button issues, rashes, vaccinations, car seats, playpens, swings, recalls, nursing and the ‘curl your toes’ kind of pain, weight gain, shopping for clothes that fit, healing after birth.  All of this was done in the midst of joy, pain, frustration, lack of sleep, laughter, uncertainties, prayer, prayer and more prayer. All surrounded by friends, family and the new adventure of taking baby out somewhere for the first time.

Taking notes means more than just notes, it’s intentional writing to reflect, dream, hope and purposefully spend time with God through all the seasons we have as moms. Through the years this note taking habit (journaling) has been a source of calm in the midst of storms, confusion, sadness and joy. It has allowed me to walk through the early seasons of motherhood, currently ushering kids (with my husband of course!) into young adulthood and just this morning reflecting on a passage in John. These note taking moments are filled with a crying out to be heard and God does,

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

“Yet you are near, Lord,
    and all your commands are true”.

Psalm 119:151

“The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
    they are fully trustworthy.”

Psalm 119:138

“Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.”

Psalm 143:1

“You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.”

Psalm 63:1

These verses are prayers we can use to call out to God in any and every season as mothers. One thing I ask is this,

“Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.”

Psalm 119:18

A number of years ago I had a visual come to my mind for the prayer. I shared this bullseye approach with my Bible study group and think of it often. I should use it more, that is why I am writing this, to remind myself to be steadfast in my prayer!

 

1. Prayer  Worship to the Lord prayer for myself-a right relationship with God first. That may mean personal reflection, repentance and reading God’s Word to strengthen our knowledge of God. Knowing him better will guide us as we declare the truths we are reading.
2. Prayer for my immediate family right in my own home and extended family.
3. Prayer for friends, neighbours and church family.
4. Prayer for those we haven’t met yet, workplace
5. Prayer for the world, leaders and our government.

Mom, keep on taking notes! Record the goodness of God in your life. Cry out to him and know that you will be heard. He knows what we need.

 

2 responses to “Motherhood: Taking Notes”

1. Such a nice personal reflection on your part. How did we navigate motherhood anyway? But God ! He made the difference and upon reflection we see that. Good for you for taking to notes. Can’t say that I did that enough. But I reflect as you do now and with that great circular reminder that is our route and God helping us be the next generation’s route. You have been led personally, are leading the way for other mothers with your gift of writing and your relational
   gifting . We PTL for you. Keep on?

   Reply

   • To keep on is through prayer and support from family and others! Reflection is good for my soul!! xo

     Reply