The Many Seasons of Motherhood

Emily Jaminet considers the different blessings, graces, and perspectives we gain as we proceed through new seasons of motherhood.

Often, we think about being a mother when we hold our little ones, rock our babies, or chase a toddler through the house. We might dream about what it will be like to have older children: when they can go to school or drive; we may even imagine them heading off to college or out of the house.

All of this is true. And yet, each season of life is full of blessings, graces, and a new perspective that can bring us so much joy.

Seasons of Life and Motherhood

Scripture reminds us that life unfolds in seasons.

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) 

Motherhood beautifully reflects this truth as we move from one season to the next, embracing new roles, responsibilities, and blessings along the way.

At my son’s wedding last year, my mom shared a piece of advice that I now treasure. She said, “Life is like a big play. In each season of life, you take on a new character.” She was referring to her own journey — from being a young bride to the mother of the bride when I got married and my siblings as well, and now to being the grandmother of the groom twice and a great-grandmother. I found myself reflecting on my own journey as well: from being a young bride, to a young mom, to moving into a house full of children, and now to being a mother with older children and grandchildren.

She shared that one of the best parts of taking on a new role is that you slide out of center stage and get to see firsthand what it is like to have a different part. She reminded me that there is great joy when we embrace the part we have been given for the season we are in. I can recall that reality, realizing that being the Mother of the Groom was like a whole new perspective compared to that of the young bride.

The truth is, she is right. There is so much joy in being a mother. Still, there is also an unbelievable gift in becoming a grandmother and receiving the blessing of seeing our “children’s children,” just as Scripture says:

May you live to see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel! (Psalm 128:6)

May we open wide our hearts to God’s will so that we can recognize this great blessing and rejoice in it. May we keep praying to the Lord and praising Him with a heart of gratitude in all stages of our lives.

Let us recall Romans 8:28:

All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

The key to this Scripture passage is that we love God and trust Him in the details of our lives.

Walking in Gratitude to the Next Season

One lesson I have learned in becoming a grandmother — while still being very active as a mom — is that, as a Catholic mother, I walk this path with freedom and gratitude. As a mother and mother-in-law, my prayers and support begin with having the right attitude and disposition of the heart. Young families need support now more than ever before, as life can be challenging. A young Catholic mom recently shared with me, “I don’t need more content. I need more encouragement to know that even when life is challenging, it is worth every difficult moment.”

So if you are struggling, take a deep breath. Say your prayers. Put a smile on your face and think about the gift of the moment you are in, and also what is over the horizon. You will not always be in this stage, season, or moment: Life goes on, so embrace and let go at the same time. Time is a gift, but it is always slipping through our hands.

Remembering the ones we are sacrificing for makes the journey a little easier.

May the Lord bless us and help us all the days of our lives.

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Copyright 2026 Emily Jaminet
Images: Canva