The Good with the Bad
As the famous Bible verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1 goes, “In everything there is a season…”. The verses following go on to say how with each season of life comes varied opposition.
With every good there will always be bad along with it. However, having both light and darkness doesn’t take away from our lives, but actually adds to it. There is a purpose and needed balance between these opposites. How we come to meet and in the end come out of opposition is all based on our mindset, which is especially key as we move onward in the ever-changing journey of parenthood.
My first baby was born in the fall, which meant right around the corner was the lovely experience of flu season to not only welcome him, but anyone that wanted to come and love on our little man. The timing of things is never perfect.
But along with being born around flu season, also came the excitement of having a baby during the holiday seasons to come, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now in this, the timing was perfect.
But no matter what I thought about the timing of both seasons, I came to see how they each had their place and they each had their purpose.
First Cold
Inevitably, even after our precautions set in place, with loved ones being good enough to love from afar if they weren’t feeling up to par, or washing their hands before spending time with him, our baby got his first cold. And it hit hard.
He had a nasty, stuffy, runny nose, a bit of a fever, & a cough that made this Mama’s heart sink, especially when he let out that cry that could only be described as, “what’s going on?”. Those unknowing, pleading cries are always heartbreaking.
However, even amongst the endless supply of snot and setting timers for medicine refills, came the sweet result of my baby wanting to snuggle up with Mama even more. And no Mama could possibly object to that request!
Having added, unexpected bonding time with my little man gave both of us the opportunity to take extra naps, have extra time to draw closer to each other, and in the long run actually strengthened his little body. Plus, thankfully the cold only lasted just over a week. This too did pass.
First Holidays
Every holiday season comes with an array of emotions, from the highest of highs filled with giddy excitement or serene peace, to the lowest of lows with overwhelming stress or haunting grief.
Especially with having a baby whose sight wasn’t matured and whose overall senses were being heightened to the max with every new smell, increased sounds, unfamiliar voices and faces, it was easy for him to either be drawn to the crowds, the intriguing, intense lights, or the overall endless celebrating.
But just like adults, babies can be worn down by the overwhelm, both good and bad, and need a break. And there is no shame to use that time for the both of you to step away for a much needed regroup and conjoined sigh.
My little man loved being held and passed from person to person, but he also wanted to just be held close to his ever-present Mama whom he knew and trusted fully.
My little man loved taking in the hustle and bustle of all that we had to be grateful for and glad tidings galore, but wasn’t hesitant to seek me out for some peace of mind and the reminder that all was well.
If anything, he reminded me that it was just as important to rest and celebrate quietly, as it was to rejoice and celebrate loudly.
The Good with the Bad
There will always be opposition in all things, but no matter what lows come our way, there still comes the promise of joy to be reaped. Sometimes the good doesn’t present itself on its own, we have to make the choice to seek it out.
Every season of parenthood comes with its struggle and toil, but also comes with its purpose and reward. The question is, are you looking closely at each season? And how are you coming to meet them?
**If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out these other great & insightful posts:
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/how-to-help-children-parents-enjoy-the-holiday-season-to-ease-stress-and-anxiety/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/60-fun-meaningful-winter-family-activities/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-christmas-things/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/7-fun-meaningful-family-traditions-thatll-unify-encourage-teach-both-you-and-your-child/
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Tracy, a freelance writer and blogger for hire. I specialize in physical and mental health, parenting, and self-development. I create engaging, inspiring and useful content to help businesses progress in making their viewers into customers. When I’m not writing, you can find me on the floor happily playing with my baby boy, walking in the park with my family, or indulging in a movie marathon with my husband.
First Cold & First Holidays, How to Take the Good with the Bad as a New Parent
