3 Secrets to Finding Joy with Toddlers

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11)

Being a mom is a tough job. Sometimes it goes without any reward. Daily we face the burdens of our family. We make sure everything is in order in our homes. We sacrifice a lot. And often we can be left feeling drained and sucked dry of joy. But in God’s Word we are reminded that we can daily find joy in Jesus. Motherhood and the demands that are there on a daily basis do not need to drain the well of joy that is contained in our hearts. We can go back to God’s Word and get filled up all day long. Let’s take a look at 3 verses and see how we can find joy in motherhood.

1. Maximize your Moments. Minimize your distractions.

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

I don’t know about you but I find that joy is easily zapped from me when I become distracted by everything around me. I need to slow down at times and just appreciate the moment that God has given me with my boys. Like today, I stopped to notice my son (3 years old) go to the snack table at our Bible study and load up his plate with goodies. I was so impressed by his manners and his ability to do it all by himself. It was a sweet moment that I was able to just sit back and enjoy.

2. Keep Life in Perspective

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

I need to constantly remind myself that “nothing bad lasts forever”. There are some tough moments in the toddler stages. I have to remind myself that if I hang in there and teach my sons through these times that there will be a reward on the other side. It won’t always be like this. One day I will have more time on my hands than I know what to do with. For now, I need to remember that these precious moments with my sons are a gift and I will only be entrusted with so many of them.

3. Develop a Pattern of Grace

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

I don’t know about you but I really need to work on showing myself grace. There has never been a perfect mom and there never will be. Even the mother of Jesus was not perfect. When I strive for perfection, I fail and I often beat myself up over it. I need to strive to become more Christlike, teaching my children a pattern of grace when I fall. I need to teach them that only God is perfect! As I teach them this, I help them develop a pattern of grace as well.

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If you need more encouragement and some help finding joy in motherhood, my new book Make Your Moments Count would be great for you. Twenty moms and myself share the top lessons we want our children to learn before leaving home. It’s all about treasuring this time we have with our children and teaching them how to soar in the Lord.

Dear Father God, Please help me find joy in motherhood. May I not look for these days to pass too quickly but may I enjoy them to the fullest. Please continue to equip me and teach me what it means to be a great mom to my boys. And please give me wisdom on how best to equip them to follow You!

Finding Joy in Motherhood,