In this Mother’s Day series, we’re continuing to share the stories of women walking through different seasons of motherhood. Glendhae is a first-time mum navigating the full and fast-paced days of life with a one-year-old, far from her family but deeply supported by her community. In her story, she reflects honestly on the joys, challenges, and the ways God has gently drawn her back to trust Him in the midst of uncertainty.
1. Tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Glendhae! I’m a first time mum of a one-year-old boy named SJ. I moved to Sydney from Toronto, Canada about 3 years ago to be with my husband, Suraj. I am currently a stay-at-home-mum but I used to work in a corporate setting at a bank and before that as an ophthalmic technician at a specialist eye clinic. In my spare time, I like to read, watch movies or shows, and do nail art.
2. What does your season of motherhood look like right now?
My current season of motherhood is busy and full-on. Ever since SJ mastered walking at 11 months old, I now have to constantly chase after him and ensure he hasn’t gotten into anything dangerous or rearranged anything in our home. Our days are a cycle of nursing, feeding, contact napping, playing, and nappy changes. And in between those, I try to find pockets of time to either do housework or take part in my hobbies. I do my best to involve him as much as I can. We water the indoor and outdoor plants together, I give him a little broom while I vacuum, and I let him mix my coffee or the baked goods I make in the kitchen.
This is a fun age because now we’re able to do things together and model our interests in hopes of him also picking up the same hobbies as we have such as reading. However, the cheekiness has also begun. He’s starting to recognise the tone and words in our language that tells him what he’s not allowed to do. But because he’s still so little, he thinks we’re just playing a game and would often just smile at us or even run away when we call after him. It’s cute but sometimes when your patience is hanging by a thread, it takes a lot of centering and reminders that he’s just a baby.
Honestly, it can get hectic because SJ is an energetic, active, cheeky, and clingy boy. Some days are harder than most, but I remind myself that this is just a season. One day, I will miss the times when he’s always wanting me to be around him to hold or comfort him. It’s a season that feels non-stop and my days can get repetitive and tiresome, but I try to make it meaningful as much as I can, and find ways to change up what we do whether that’s going to see friends for playdates, going to the shops, or going for a walk.
Some days are harder than most, but I remind myself that this is just a season.
3. What’s one part of being a mum that has surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most was how deeply I would care about every little thing, and how motherhood would reveal both my strengths and my weaknesses.
A few months ago, my husband and I experienced a health scare with SJ and we found out he has severe food allergies. Even though it is not the worst situation, I found myself carrying a lot of fear and even feeling responsible because this may have been something he inherited from me. For a time, the anxiety was so strong that I didn’t want to leave the house for fear that he might have another allergic episode. I always thought I would handle pressure well and stay calm, but instead I often felt overwhelmed and stuck in worry, unable to think as clearly as I normally would have. It made me realise how quickly fear can take over when it involves your child’s health.
It’s easy to say that it’s all in God’s hands when everything is going well, but when things get tough, it’s difficult to try and not control every outcome. I’m so grateful for my husband during that time because he helped keep me grounded and continually reminded me that God is with us and that we can trust Him, even in the uncertainty.
I’m so grateful for my husband during that time because he helped keep me grounded and continually reminded me that God is with us and that we can trust Him, even in the uncertainty.
4. What brings you the most joy in this season? What are some challenges?
One of the greatest joys in this season of motherhood has been connecting with other mums who are walking a similar journey. I’m so grateful for God’s timing because even though I’m far from my own family, He surrounded me with women close to my age who also had babies around the same time as me, and that has been such a blessing. Not only have I made special friendships that are rooted in Christ with some many lovely women, SJ also gained friends alongside me. Having that kind of community has been vital for me because I have a space where the mums and I are able to confide in each other, share our experiences, pray together and for each other, ask and offer advice, and provide emotional support.
On the other hand, one of the challenges I face is not being able to experience this season of motherhood alongside my own mum. That is something I feel deeply, even in the midst of all the support I’ve been given. She was able to assist me for the first two months of SJ’s life and when she left to go back to Toronto, it was difficult adjusting to a new normal. Suraj and I even considered moving to Canada. We were in constant prayer and ultimately felt that God was calling us to stay here and carry on with the life that we built so far. I may not have my family near me but I do have my church and chosen family that constantly support, care, and love us.
I may not have my family near me but I do have my church and chosen family that constantly support, care, and love us.
5. How has your faith shaped the way you parent, especially on hard days?
By reminding myself that God designed women to bear and nurture children, my faith grounds me, especially on hard days. I take comfort in knowing I’m walking in the purpose God has given me and He has abundantly equipped me for this role so I am able to parent confidently. On difficult days I am reminded of God’s grace and this helps me respond with patience instead of frustration. His presence in my life and my constant reaching for Him also reminds me that I’m not parenting alone. I lean on my husband’s leadership and look to him for guidance. Together, we parent SJ according to God’s design, training him in wisdom, and to faithfully discipline with love and self-control.
On difficult days I am reminded of God’s grace and this helps me respond with patience instead of frustration. His presence in my life and my constant reaching for Him also reminds me that I’m not parenting alone.
6. Has becoming a mum changed how you understand God as Father?
Yes, absolutely. Becoming a mum has deepened my understanding of God as Father in a very real way. I’ve learned and had to come to terms with the fact that the baby I carried and gave birth to ultimately belongs to God first. My husband and I are entrusted to steward and raise him to honour God and eventually come to know Him as his father too.
I’ve learned and had to come to terms with the fact that the baby I carried and gave birth to ultimately belongs to God first.
That perspective has been both humbling and grounding. When things don’t unfold the way I expect, I remind myself that SJ is not mine to control, he is God’s, and He loves him even more than I do. The love I feel for SJ has given me a glimpse of God’s heart for us and it gave me the opportunity to finally understand how God sees and cares for his children. This reminds me of a book I read called Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler where they beautifully put that God is “the ultimate Creator of life, the ultimate nurturer and provider, and the compassionate, gentle one who supplies our needs when our only capacity is to cry for help”. This encourages me to find God in the way I mother because He is the greatest and best example of mercy, love, and discipline.
The love I feel for SJ has given me a glimpse of God’s heart for us and it gave me the opportunity to finally understand how God sees and cares for his children.
7. What’s something small but meaningful verse/thing you do/encouragement that helps you keep going when you feel tired or overwhelmed?
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. When I feel tired or overwhelmed, I think about this verse and remind myself that I don’t have to gain strength on my own, that true strength is found when we lean on Jesus. I remind myself through quiet moments of prayer or even worship through music that I am always in need of Jesus and He provides all that I need. By God’s grace, I am able to face the daily challenges of life, and find joy amidst the tedious, repetitive work that comes along with homemaking and raising a child.
…I am always in need of Jesus and He provides all that I need.
8. What would you say to a mum who feels like she’s not doing enough?
You are doing more than you think you are. Your presence and provision of a safe and happy home is everything your child or children will need. I know it can be overwhelming trying to balance everyday life so look to Jesus for strength and anchor yourself with the Word. Try not to let the world’s very skewed perspective on motherhood take you away from the truth–you are enough because Jesus makes you enough. You are doing great mama!
…look to Jesus for strength and anchor yourself with the Word.
