What Having Covid Taught Me About Motherhood

These last two years have brought a level of stress and uncertainty into our lives that didn’t really exist before. Whether you were worried about getting Covid, or on the complete other side of the spectrum worried about government take over…you were, at some point, uneasy about the state of the world.

In our house, we expected that eventually Covid would pay us a visit. Being generally healthy, and “young,” we weren’t really too concerned for ourselves. What I didn’t expect was how much time I would have to contemplate my life during that time of illness and just what I’d learn in the process.

After I had Covid I truly felt like a part of me was reborn. I know that probably sounds dramatic, but hear me out. I was laid up on the couch (or bed) for about 8 days. I didn’t have the strength to do anything. Most of those days I could barely stand up. For some reason, I experienced significant pain in the lower half of my body. Aching that just would not quit…and had me questioning if it would ever stop.

But this post is not about my symptoms. It’s about what they taught me.

I couldn’t do anything for my family during this period. Not make a meal, wash a dish, dress a child, tuck one of them in…nothing. Prior to getting Covid, I was feeling purposeless in my mothering. I felt more like the maid than the mother, with no time for anything I wanted to pursue myself.

But having those duties stripped away for week, forced me to realize that my tasks and duties as a mother are a “get-to” and not a “have-to.”

I get to fold the laundry that clothe the bodies of these precious gifts of mine.

I get to prepare healthy meals that nourish the bellies of children I once prayed to have.

I get to teach conflict resolution, work ethic, responsibility, and kindness to my children who will one day be adults.

I get to share the love of Jesus with them and watch them grow in their faith, alongside me.

I get to shuttle them to and from the hobbies that make them come alive.

I get to snuggle them in bed when they’re tired and just want their mommy.

You see…the “have-to” mentality for me used to sound like this…

I have to fold mounds and mounds of laundry that never stops.

I have to cook dinner…AGAIN.

I have to constantly break up their arguing, remind them to complete their chores, and deal with their bad attitudes.

I have to read the Bible with them more.

I have to drive them here, there, and everywhere!

I have to go back upstairs a million times a night when they’re calling for me from their beds.

It’s true when they say “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” When I finally regained strength and felt back to normal, I couldn’t wait to cook dinner for them, put them to bed and snuggle them, and pray over their clothes as I folded each little item. Over and over again, I am reminded by mothers of grown children to “enjoy these years”…”they go so fast.” I want to take that to heart.

I am so honored that Jesus chose me to be the steward of my family. I consider it a privilege now to serve them in such ways that keep our life moving forward.

So thank you, Covid. For laying me flat out on my back and renewing my joy and appreciation for these seemingly mundane tasks. I know now that they are part of the most important work I could ever do in this life. Raising and leading my family in a Christ-centered, stable, loving environment.

So Mommas, next time you feel like you “HAVE TO”…remember that you “GET TO.”