When I was eight months pregnant, I asked my
brother-in-law what his number one piece of parenting
advice would be.
He responded with four impactful words, drawn from a
Persian adage: “This too shall pass.”
I didn’t realize how significant that advice would be for
me until I had my son, Sutton. I faced hardship with my
little guy that I hadn’t quite expected as a new mom,
but I have also had the sweetest moments of my life
with him. He is currently in the toddler stage, and in
the midst of his tantrums and “terrible twos.”
In this time, I have learned so much about my
selfishness and tendency to lean toward the negative
rather than focusing on the positive. These four words
have been a strong reminder for me that each season
of hardship is fleeting, but that the immeasurable
beauty of each moment passes even more quickly.
Dear friends, if you are in a season of motherhood or
fatherhood where you feel completely drained, you are
not alone. And if you just can’t see the light at the end
of the tunnel no matter how hard you search, I pray
that these four words encourage your heart today:
“This too shall pass.”
In the moments when life feels like one big blur as you
adjust to a crying newborn, late-night feedings, and
little to no sleep—this too shall pass.
During the season when your 9-month-old is in and out
of the doctor’s office because you can’t figure out why
he is spitting up, not eating, not sleeping, or just can’t
seem to be put down for more than five minutes— this
too shall pass.
When your toddler’s favorite word to scream is “no,”
when hitting, biting, and throwing tantrums in every
public place becomes the new norm, and discipline
seems never-ending—this too shall pass.
In the months that 9 years old means continuous fights
with siblings from morning till night and you feel like
you can’t handle settling one more argument—this too
shall pass.
When your 16-year-old experiments with temptation
or battles bullying or peer pressure and you feel
defenseless in protecting or guiding her—this too shall
pass.
And when your little baby goes off to college and you
see that she needs you a little less each day and have
nearly forgotten the time and love that you have
invested into her every moment—this too shall pass.
In parenting, the immense love and worry that we feel
for our kids won’t ever fade. The hardship simply
changes and shifts as our babies grow a little bigger
each year.
But friends, what we need to remember is that the
sweetest moments of parenthood will pass even more
quickly. The moments of holding a new, sweet-smelling
baby in your two arms and snuggling them so closely.
The feeling of having one of the greatest
responsibilities in the world in caring for someone who
can’t yet care for themselves. The first noises, coos,
and giggles that make your heart feel like it’s going to
explode with joy. This too shall pass.
The cutest, most mispronounced words you’ve ever
heard. The very first time “mom” and “dad” are spoken
from their sweet little mouths. The snuggles, strangling
neck hugs, and I love yous. And the realization that you
are the only person in their little world as important
and special as you. This too shall pass.
The moments of sweet adventure when they see
something for the very first time with you by their side.
Having the opportunity to teach them pivotal life
lessons, like respect, loyalty, responsibility, and
kindness. Watching each day as they grow into a little
human being that you’re so incredibly proud to be
raising. This too shall pass.
Talking them through their nervousness as you help
them get ready for their first school dance. Holding
them tightly as they cry tears on your shoulder when
they experience their first real heartbreak. Walking
them down the aisle as you watch them take on the
world with someone they love so deeply. This too shall
pass.
Let us not forget that with the challenges of parenting
also come the sweetest moments, which we won’t ever
get back. On the days when it feels like frustration and
defeat have won, I pray that we will remember that
each moment fades as quickly as it comes.
—Lindsey Maestas
