The Making of A Mother.

The Lord has been so good to me these past few weeks. I really cannot describe it. I know He is always near, but there are times when you just FEEL His presence unmistakably. And these have been times like that.

Motherhood has not met my expectations.

It has exceeded them.

But not with what I expected.

I have been more mentally challenged than I have been in my entire life this past month.

Whether it was waiting for her to be born, going through 35 hours of labor, or late night feedings trying to figure out my baby's cries.

AND life is so good.

With all the challenges that have come, God has graciously met me step-by-step, and I know that I have been in contact with my Maker. Because there is absolutely NO WAY I can do this on my own.

Sanctification at its finest.

What a beautiful word to sing about, speak about theologically, and even pray for,

but during seasons of felt sanctification, it can feel like your head is just above the water, and that you have no idea how you aren't drowning. And this is His grace. He holds us. He doesn't let go. He has ample strength for the long haul when we don't.

"For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification." Romans 6:19

Paul is writing to the Romans telling them that they must either be in service to sin or to God. Because they had believed in Christ, He directs them in that they must CONTINUALLY put off that slavery to sin and become salves to God in obedience. 

Even when it's tough.

Even when you don't want to obey.

Even when you don't think you can.

Look to HIM.

Although there are many things I have learned in the past month, the biggest one has been that any illusion that I had dreamed that motherhood would be like was wayyyy off. 

Because it wasn't true.

 It wasn't raw. 

It wasn't REAL.

I can honestly say with a clear conscience...

The real thing is way better.

Motherhood is the BEST.