Embracing the Seasons

I'm not a fan of summer.  The best thing about summer is when it's over.  Despite my great dislike of summer, I choose to embrace certain aspects of the season.  I enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, and  the excessive rest and relaxation that comes from being able to sleep in most summer mornings and even the warm, I'm mean HOT, sun shining on me after being in the COLD a/c.  And Snow Cones!  Yes, snow cones are great in summer! 

Okay, so maybe I don't loathe summer as much as I thought.  But you know what?  It's a choice.  I made the choice to alter my attitude and embrace the best of summer.  If I didn't I would waste the entire season feeling miserable.

And so it is with motherhood.  Certainly those sleepless nights, days of spills, messes and meltdowns (don't forget the meltdowns!) are less than likable.  But still, during those early years there are cuddles, hugs and kisses, bedtime stories and other lovables and likables to embrace.  I even learned to cherish middle of the night feedings.  Praying and singing softly in my littles ones ears are fond memories.  So, yes, you can even embrace the more difficult aspects of the seasons of motherhood.     

If I had one piece of advice to pass on to young mothers (besides PRAY!) it would be to embrace each season of motherhood with all that you have.  Particularly those early years.  Do your best to "redeem" those less than likable times, turn them into irreplaceable memories.  Unlike our yearly seasons that come and go and come back again for a lifetime, most of us only get one shot at these seasons of motherhood.  Don't waste it feeling miserable.  Choose to embrace it - choose joy!

How about you, what advice do you pass on to young mothers?  Or perhaps you are in another season of motherhood.  What challenges are you doing your best to embrace?