Reasons I love mothering toddlers

I currently have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old and I love it! Here's why.

They brighten other people's days

Nearly every errand I run, people smile at my children or make a positive comment. I believe God designed the world to be made a happier place by babies and toddlers. It's so fun to see how my kids can make someone's day brighter by even a small interaction!

I am bringing souls into the world

It's an immense honor that God used my body to bring souls into the world that will hopefully someday praise Jesus and share the Gospel, bringing glory to God. My sister told me when I was sharing a fear of miscarriage that even a baby lost to me is a soul worshiping God in Heaven. That is incredible. The miracle of new life is a wonder to behold.

They make me smile

My kids make me smile! They do and say so many things that bring joy. The hugs, the kisses, the laughs, the silly toddler speak, it's all so much fun and I smile so much more because of them. Of course they are not perfect, and everything may be a little bit harder with little ones, but it's so much more fun!

Their excitement is infectious

I think about how excited my daughter gets to see the moon, or a puppy, or how much my son loves Christmas lights, or construction equipment. That sense of awe and wonder is infectious. I laugh at myself in the rare moments that I am alone because I want to point out every fire engine, noodle man, and airplane to the empty car. Their zeal for life is contagious!

I get to watch them grow & develop

From holding a spoon to riding a bike, there are so many things for kids to learn in the first few years, and I get to observe--and sometimes participate in--their development. It blows my mind how much they grow and change. What a privilege to get to see God's handiwork unfold before my eyes.

The sacrifice is worth it

There are some long days and long nights as a mom of littles, but it's a chance to lean on God's strength and (hopefully) grow to be more mature as a person and in my walk with God. The world speaks down about 1's, 2's, and 3's, but it can be such a wonderful season. I heard someone say recently that as a mom there are times you have to pour from an empty cup, but we grow when we're stretched and challenged. I'm so grateful God allows me to raise these toddlers, and it's worth all of the sacrifice.

They're just so cute

It probably doesn't need to be said, but somehow watching their miniature hands and feet do things is just too cute. I love their facial expressions and concentration when doing tasks, and their seriousness during pretend play. One of the cutest things is when they're both sitting and looking at me with the same blank stare, mouths open...

It grows my faith

The Bible says we should have faith like a little child. It's innocent, simple, and trusting. I get to tell them about when God closed the mouths of lions, how He made the entire world in 6 days, and that God loves them so much. My 3-year-old's trusting faith encourages me to be more trusting, too. He spontaneously prays and thanks God for the mundane throughout the day, and it's so sweet.

This seems like what I was made to do

I have so much contentment in my current circumstances. I quit the job I loved and I don't miss it one bit. I feel that this is what God wants for me right now, and no matter what the world says, being a mother is a wonderful and fulfilling career. God has blessed me so much.

If you have a toddler in your life, comment below your favorite thing about them!