Perhaps you can relate to my current season of life. As a new mom, my day-to-day has been all about prioritizing and finding new rhythms. As a result, my time with Jesus and my time for this ministry and business looks a lot different. So, I thought some of you might be encouraged to hear how I’ve been seeking Jesus in the baby season of motherhood. Whether you’re in a similar place or you’re in a slightly different stage of life that’s keeping you busy and causing you to pivot, I hope you’ll be able to glean from some of the things I’ve been learning over the past several months.

Added Note: Let me start out by saying that as I share my experience, I am not suggesting that you should do things exactly as I have been. I’ve had my challenges and I know you have had your own unique obstacles too. I simply want to share what’s helped me, in hopes that you might be encouraged in some way to seek Jesus in busy, demanding seasons or times of transition.

5 Ways I’m Seeking Jesus in the Baby Season of Motherhood:

1. Making it a goal to get to church whenever possible

My husband and I were committed to going to church on Sundays before having a baby. So, I wanted to make sure we established that same rhythm as a family of three as soon as possible. Thankfully, I had a smooth recovery and we didn’t have to spend too many Sunday mornings at home. 

Luke serves weekly on the worship team. So, I knew I’d need to learn how to get myself and a little one out the door on my own. This isn’t always easy (or doable) with feedings, a morning nap that’s smack dab in between our two service times, and getting myself up and dressed. But, it’s been amazing to see God bless our desire to be faithful in this. I have been shocked more than once how God orchestrates the events of the morning—especially after particularly challenging weeks—so that we can get to church on Sunday. It’s something we frequently pray for. I aim to get there early or on time. But even when we’re late (sometimes very late), the effort to get there is always worth it.

Remember, it’s all worship

As many of you moms know, getting to church does not always mean getting to participate fully in the service. I spend quite a bit of time walking in the hall with a wiggly baby in my arms or crawling on the floor while watching and listening to the service on a TV in the lobby area. Our church live streams services as well. So, there is a small temptation to stay home (and it’s a great option when we need to). But, it’s best to be in the building with our church family. 

Christ commands us to not cease meeting together as a church body (Hebrews 10:25). And, we have found the blessing in following that command—imperfectly, but to the best of our ability. Likewise, I’ve learned that whether I am in the sanctuary singing and listening intently or calming a fussy baby in the hall, it’s all worship and I am blessed by being there.

Question to Consider: What changes could you make to your routine or mindset for the purpose of prioritizing church each week?

2. Staying committed to Bible study and small groups

One of the other ways I’m seeking Jesus in the baby season of motherhood is by staying committed to Bible study and small groups. I have been a Bible study small group leader for several years. And when I got pregnant, God didn’t seem to be calling me out of that role. I serve with a mentor friend I’ve known since before I knew Jesus, so it helps to share the leadership responsibilities. Additionally, being a leader means I have added accountability to complete my Bible study lessons week after week.

On top of that, our family is a part of an every-other-week church small group with families in our immediate area. We live “out in the country” a bit and our church is in the suburbs. So, It’s nice to have a multi-generational group of families we can connect with closer to home. We are in the same study as my other small group. So, it’s sweet to have more time to connect on the Word, on life, and through prayer.

Added accountability & blessings

It’s easy to make excuses not to engage in careful study of the Bible—especially in busy, demanding seasons. Being accountable to people I love has been a huge help to stay rooted in the Word. Likewise, the relationships that are being built through our small groups have been a blessing in other ways. My co-leader has been able to help and connect with my daughter, our family gets to be in a small group together, and my new mom friends have been there for encouragement and to offer tips on what to do with littles when you live further away from things in the cities. I am grateful to God for His powerful Word and the blessing of Christian community.

Question to Consider: How could studying the Bible among other believers deepen your commitment to God’s Word and relationships with others?

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