Motherhood: One year later

Grace has her first birthday on Saturday, and I still can't believe it. One year ago I started a new journey as a full time mother, and I have loved it every step of the way. Now although it hasn't been without its trials, it has undoubtedly been the best year of my life. Motherhood is a constant battle of messy diapers, tears, and "No, Grace. No, don't touch that," but it is also a constant reward of smiles, kisses, and hugs every single day.

I wanted to take some time to write down the things that my little Grace has continued to remind me in this wonderful past year. While it is known that parents are the role models for their children, I find myself everyday thinking that I should actually aspire to be more like Grace. It is so true that children look up to their parents, but I think us parents need to take some notes from our own children as well, for Jesus Himself says in Matthew 18:3, "In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven."

Actions speak louder than words.

Although Grace cannot communicate verbally, the love that radiates from her actions speak louder than words ever could. Words can't even describe how I feel when she looks at me from across the room and just smiles. Not a word is spoken, yet I feel like she has said a thousand words in just one smile. What if we all looked at each other and just smiled more often? What if we just gave each other a little acknowledgement that "Hey, I see you, and it makes me happy to see you." Maybe all it takes is a little more smiling to make this world a better place. Let someone see that you are happy to see them. It's one little action, but it could change the world. It changes mine every single day.

Laughter is the best medicine.

If Grace falls and bumps her head, it's only natural for her to start crying. But as soon as I pick her up and play a quick "peek-a-boo" with her, or even just tickle her a bit, that crying is automatically substituted for her adorable laughter. Suddenly, that bump doesn't seem so bad anymore. I think we could all use a bit more laughter in our lives. So let's not dwell on the bad things that happen to us. Let's learn to move on to the happiness, because there really is so much to be happy about.

Forgiveness.

We were all born with an impeccable ability to forgive, but as we get older it somehow becomes harder and harder. We begin to hold more grudges, and our pride keeps us from moving on. Grace is my daily reminder to always forgive. She forgives so easily, as we all should. When I take something away from her she is incredibly upset. She looks at me, cries, sometimes even screams, but about .2 seconds later she's climbing onto my lap and giving me a hug. It melts my heart. In her eyes I have "wronged" her, but her love is bigger than that. Her love overpowers any anger that she could have.

Simplicity

Eat, sleep, play. Grace's daily schedule reminds me of how simple life could really be. She is so content with such simple items, and it is a reminder that there really was life before technology. She helps remind me to turn off the T.V. and pick up a book, turn off the music so I can kneel down and pray, turn off my phone so I can sit and write. Technology is not a necessity, it is just a luxury. We would definitely survive without it, and we may even be happier if there was just a little bit less of it.

Grace has literally been my "saving grace." She pulls me closer to God and makes me want to be a better person. I never knew that I could learn so much from a child so small, yet here she is, twenty pounds and showing me the path to Heaven. So thank you, Grace, for the never-ending love you continue to show me along with reminding me of what's truly important in life.

So what's my end consensus on motherhood, you ask?

10/10: Would definitely recommend.