Mental preparation for the change to come

If it is your first time becoming a parent, it’s hard to fully understand how life will change for you. You can read books, watch other parents, and try to prepare, but nothing truly compares to experiencing it yourself.

I was too stubborn to accept that the first time around. I thought I knew what to expect when I became a mother for the first time. I had a plan and a vision of how things would go, but little did I know.

For example, nobody had told me that newborns have to learn how to sleep…
Maybe that sounds obvious to you, but I was genuinely surprised.

I can't tell you all the ways life will change because they will differ depending on the situation and the baby. What I do want to share is the mindset we need to deal with the change.

There are two things:

1. Putting another life first
2. Surrendering to God

Putting Another Life First
Know how the Bible says to consider others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3)? When you become a parent, it becomes real in a way you never imagined.

The Bible teaches us this so we treat the needs of others as more important than our own and other people as greater than us. And that by putting the needs of others first, we understand God's emphasis on others instead of ourselves.

It’s something we definitely start grasping when having a newborn.

It might seem natural to put your baby’s needs before your own, but it isn't for everyone. I underestimated how much time and self-sacrifice that required.

This resulted in a hard start for me. I had to learn that a child doesn’t only change your schedule; it also changes your emotions and how you view the world.

A common saying is: When a child is born, a mother is born too. A true cliché. The love we have for our children gives us a glimpse of God’s love for every single person in this world—a love that is humbling.

Surrendering to God
God’s love is a love we can seek and pray for (Hebrews 4:16) to run through our veins in high dosages, so we're prepared for the new life about to enter our worlds.

It's what we need, especially when times are tough.

Because they will be tough, there will be times when the baby doesn't want to do anything but cry, or when you want a couple of minutes for yourself, the baby doesn't let you. Then, the only thing we can do is surrender to God—and yes, that's already a challenge on its own. All the more reason to practice it before the baby is born.

Let the newborn phase happen and follow along with everything that comes with it. And without any pressure to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

Things will move to an enriched reality, a reality in which you will gain a deeper understanding of God's love, of God's patience, His grace, and His forgiveness.

It’s so worth it, but it’s mental work. God was, and is, my anchor in this. Tapping into His love by reading His word and reaching out to Him in a moment of hardness, despair, or happiness is essential. You can do this, too, and be mentally prepared for the change to come.

Reflection

What speaks to you today? How do you need to prepare mentally for the baby?

Action

Write down when and how you will prepare for the arrival of your little one.