I once read an article about how the experience of infertility changes the experience of motherhood.
As a mother of two preemies, one “post-dates” baby, and three foster children (one at a time) – and as a woman who has now experienced miscarriage – I have to say that this too changes the experience of motherhood.
I thank God almost every day for each additional day each of my children got in the womb. For almost a month for Tirzah Mae after my blood pressure went high. For two additional weeks in the womb for Louis (compared to Tirzah Mae). For a staggering 8 additional weeks in the womb for Beth-Ellen (compared to Louis). I thank God for the things we could have experienced but didn’t in the NICU, for the things we could have experienced but didn’t regarding our children’s development.
And more and more, I thank God that I experienced two c-sections, that I have had rough pregnancies and rough postpartums, that I had children who didn’t sleep, that I have had to say goodbye to three children. Because each of those children have simultaneously been an evidence of grace (EOG) and an agent of sanctification (AOS).
I wouldn’t change a thing, even on the days when I’m singing my newest song:
(to the tune of “You are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder)
You are an agent of sanctification
God’s using you to make me holy
You are an agent of sanctification
God has put you in my lifeAnd when I feel that I am. so. done.
I’m thanking God that he is no-o-o-ot
Preemies. Post-dates. C-sections. A vaginal delivery. Prolapse. Sleepless nights. Disrupted routines. Lots of young children. Saying goodbye when we’ve planned to say goodbye. Saying goodbye when we were hoping for a lifetime. None of these things are easy.
But easy isn’t how we learn to rely on God. Easy isn’t how we become like him.
Praise God that he hasn’t let me live the easy dream. He’s making me holy, teaching me to trust.
These things have absolutely changed my experience of motherhood. And though I’m crying even now thinking of the dreams we’ve lost, I’m crying too for the things we’ve gained. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Even when I am. so. done.
God is not.