Little Teachers

Children are a heritage from the Lord.

Psalms 127:3

I’ve seen a trend circling through social media that essentially makes the point that having children is what destroyed their marriage because their relationship couldn’t survive the postpartum stage. I’ve also seen posts made in response to these that state they don’t want kids because of this.

I’ve felt compassion for both those whose marriages have fallen apart and those who are afraid that children will ruin their marriage, but I’ve also felt a sadness at the thought that children are anything less than a blessing.

I’m a mama in thick of postpartum for the second time in two years. I’m a mama who understands the struggles of postpartum depression and anxiety. I’m a mama who feels the pressure of trying to balance my home, my children, my relationship with my spouse, my job, and my friends.

I can tell you that children are a challenge. They will challenge your patience. They will challenge your ability to be selfless and kind. They will challenge your ability to maintain your relationships – whether with your spouse or your friends. They will challenge your sanity and so much more.

But children are also teachers. They will teach you to find joy in the smallest things. They will teach you how to forgive and how to love. They will teach you how to choose others over yourself. They will teach you how to lead by example and how to work on your self. They will teach you the importance of your spouse, your family, and your friends.

They will teach you that you are stronger than you think you are and more resilient than you know.

They will teach you that you matter, because they need you, and they will teach you that they matter and are worth every challenge, because you need them.