I know many moms tend to dread the middle of the night wake-ups to a baby, a crying toddler, or a young child waking from a nightmare. I have had many moments when I just want to sleep. The last thing I want to do is take time to tend to someone else’s needs, but I have found those moments are so sacred for me.

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When I am rushing up the stairs to comfort my sweet toddler who has woken up in tears, my heart becomes so tender. I find my heart screaming out words of thanksgiving and gratitude to God for the ability to wake up when I hear her cry, the ability to climb those stairs to her bedroom to reach her, for the skipped beat of my heart when her hands reach out for me to swoop her up, for those little arms that wrap themselves ever so tightly around my neck, and for the sweet nuzzle as she lays her head on my shoulder.

All is right, all is calm in that moment. I don’t rush that time. I breathe it in, letting it pour over me.

When my baby who lies in the bassinet beside me cries out in hunger, my heart feels so warm. How blessed am I to be able to nourish him! How fortunate am I that I can provide the comfort he is crying out for. He knows he does not need to cry loudly—he simply cries out a small peep, and he knows I will respond instantly. He does not question my response but trusts I will always be there to comfort him and provide for him. I find myself being so thankful for these fleeting moments that God has granted me.

After my middle-of-the-night nursing sessions, as I cradle my son back to sleep, I do not rush to put him back in his bassinet. I find I typically am somewhat wide awake after nursing him and that moment is when I take the time to reflect on our family’s blessings and hardships. I thank God for the blessings by name, and I say a prayer asking Him to carry us through the hardships we currently find ourselves struggling with. 

I know God hears my heart’s cry and my prayers at any time of the day or night, but there is a peace and stillness I am able to receive and connect with when I am serving my children. 

Motherhood has a special way of doing that, making selflessness a way of connecting with God. I feel like those moments in the middle of the night are when I feel the most connected to God. I feel like I can hear Him more clearly because I am taking the time. I am not rushing around doing my daily tasks or stressing over life’s little inconsistencies. I have the time to breathe deeply.

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Maybe the middle of the night isn’t your best moment of the 24 hours you are provided in the day, but as a young mother, those are the moments I, personally, cherish the most.

I love the midnight call, and you will rarely find me complaining about that time because my relationship with God grows deeper each time one of my babies cries out to me. It reminds me that I am a child of God, and He, too, listens out for my cry.