Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, and transformative journey. When I first became a mother, I had no idea how much it would change me. I’ve learned that motherhood is not only about nurturing and caring for a child; it’s also about leaning into the rhythms motherhood brings, shifting my mindset, and embracing the holy and sanctifying work it is.

Here are some of the most significant lessons I’ve learned about the role of a mother since becoming one:

Lean Into the Rhythms

Motherhood has its own rhythm, and at first, I resisted it. I wanted to maintain the pace of my pre-motherhood life—the independence, the freedom, the ability to plan my day down to the minute. But the world doesn’t always follow the pace that God intended it to, especially for moms. Children, by nature, slow you down. And I’ve come to realize that maybe that’s the point.

As mothers, we often feel the urge to rush, to get back to what we were doing before, to keep everything running at full speed. But when I allowed myself to lean into the rhythms of motherhood, I found peace in the slow moments. The interruptions didn’t feel like disruptions anymore—they became opportunities to serve my family and meet their needs. Those quiet pauses, the moments of connection, the late-night feedings, the messes to clean—they were all part of the sacred rhythm of motherhood.

One of the best decisions I made was to lean into the rhythm of staying home with our girls. I’ll be honest: there were days when I questioned my choice. The sacrifice felt heavy. But as I embraced the slower pace of life, I realized how deeply fulfilling it is. The world may measure success by titles or accolades, but the work of motherhood is some of the most profound and important work I will ever do.

Attitude & Gratitude

It’s so easy to fall into a victim mindset as a wife and a mom. Trust me, I’ve been there. Especially when the reality of motherhood doesn’t line up with my idealized expectations. But what I’ve learned is that attitude & gratitude are everything.

When I shift my perspective, I can see the challenges of motherhood as happening for me, not to me. Take the meltdowns, for instance. There was a time when I saw them as frustrating obstacles to my peace. But now, I see them as opportunities—opportunities to help my child process her emotions and to practice patience. The nighttime interruptions? They don’t happen TO me; they are an opportunity FOR me to be my child’s safe haven, to nurture them in their most vulnerable moments. Every disruption is a chance to slow down, to make time for what truly matters.

When I stopped viewing these moments as inconveniences, I started seeing them as the heart of my work. The plans that didn’t work out? They were opportunities to adjust, to be flexible, to learn what worked and what didn’t. The disappointments? They were chances to practice bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Motherhood teaches you to live unoffended. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted to complain or get frustrated over things that didn’t go as planned. But I’ve realized that living with gratitude and focusing on what I love about my life—and not on what is lacking—has helped me navigate the tougher moments. Gratitude has a way of pulling me out of funks, and it reminds me of the beauty in the everyday.

Holy & Sanctifying Work

One thing I wasn’t prepared for in motherhood was how holy and sanctifying the work would be. In the trenches of dirty diapers, endless laundry, and temper tantrums, I often felt like I was just doing the “mundane” tasks of life. But over time, I began to see something more.

Motherhood is a living, breathing reflection of the Gospel. Just as Jesus laid down His life for you, you lay down your life for your family. Just as Jesus broke His body, you break yours to bring beauty and goodness into the world. Just as Jesus fed the hungry, you are called to fill the bellies of your little ones. Just as Jesus healed the sick, you care for the well-being of your children, tending to their bodies and hearts.

In every dish you wash, every meal you make, every moment you spend comforting a child, you are doing holy work. You are reflecting Christ’s love and sacrifice. Motherhood is not just about raising children—it’s about becoming a living testimony of God’s love and grace.

Breaking & Building

Motherhood has broken me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s taught me humility, patience, and surrender. And though the breaking can feel painful at times, I’ve learned that it’s necessary to be built into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. In many ways, I am a different woman since becoming a mom. I am stronger, wiser, kinder, richer, bolder, and more surrendered. I have let go of parts of myself that were selfish and prideful, and I’ve embraced a new, more humble and gentle spirit. But I am also bolder and more resilient.

The world may tell you that motherhood will break you, as though that’s something to be feared. But the truth is, the breaking is beautiful. The surrender is sanctifying. The pressing is purifying. Just as Christ was broken for us, motherhood offers a chance to break open and pour out our love for those we serve. The process is both painful and redemptive—and it leads us to a deeper reflection of the Gospel.

You Know Your Child Best

Finally, motherhood has taught me that you are your child’s best advocate. Not Google. Not the “experts.” There’s so much information out there, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. But at the end of the day, no one knows your child like you do. God chose YOU to be that baby’s mom. You are the expert on their needs, their rhythms, their personality, and their heart.

Motherhood is not about following a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about studying your child, learning what works best for them, and being their biggest advocate. In the same way you invest in learning about your spouse and growing that relationship, take the time to understand your child’s unique needs and strengths. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Conclusion

Motherhood is not just a job—it’s holy, sanctifying work that reflects the love and sacrifice of Christ. It challenges you, breaks you, and builds you into something more beautiful and more Christ-like. When you lean into the rhythms, shift your perspective, focus on attitude and gratitude, and embrace the holy work of motherhood, you become a living testimony to the love of God.

Motherhood has changed me in ways I never imagined, and I am grateful for every part of it—the slow moments, the challenges, the interruptions, and the joy. Because, in the end, it’s all holy work. And what a gift it is to live this beautiful, sanctifying life as a mother.