Mrs Princess Awokoya-Ifukor

Motherhood Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

I started out on the journey of motherhood assuming it would be a lovely adventure I would be able to accomplish with vibrancy and grace. I did not understand how truly long this walk would be, or about the blisters, hot sun, rough pavement, and curves I would face on the road ahead.
I hadn’t counted on the weariness of being pregnant, giving birth, and nursing babies. I hadn’t considered the ear infections, tantrums, messes and fusses, mounds of dirty dishes and clothes, and countless days to fill with meaningful occupation, not to mention the training, correcting, and instruction of my children in righteousness.

So many times, when I felt like I simply couldn’t go on, I would creep away into my quiet corner to spend a few minutes with the Lord. Without fail, He would use those stolen moments to show me how important my role was in the spiritual life and heritage of my children. In those times, I glimpsed the goal of righteousness I was working toward and realized that I must reach it step by weary step.

I kept going by sheer faith and resolve because I could not ignore the ideals and calls of Scripture. With God’s help, I chose to follow them and trust that they were blessed and right and would bring blessing to me and my family.
Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, you’re in this for the long haul!

His Promises
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Isaiah 40:29

By Sally Clarkson.

I just thought to share to encourage one mother out there .

Stradivarius violins, cellos, and guitars are among the most treasured musical instruments in the world. Crafted during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the pieces are rare and invaluable. Something so precious deserves the utmost care. So when a Stradivarius cello—worth more than $20 million—fell off a table during a photo shoot, it was truly shocking!

Just as a Stradivarius must be handled carefully, so must our relationships. We’re to love others because Christ demonstrated His love toward us. In John 13:34, Jesus gave His disciples a command that requires careful attention: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Why did Christ call it a new command? It was new because it was rooted in the way Jesus loved people. This new command to love wasn’t careless or casual but intentional, precious, and sacrificial. Loving this way would lead to discipleship, self-denial, and possibly even death for the disciples. This care for one another would be how they survived in a difficult and hostile world after Christ’s departure. And Jesus told them, “Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (v. 35).

Let’s carefully and sacrificially love others—reflecting Jesus’ precious and priceless love.

Text from ODB devotional