The Eras of Life (by Cathe Laurie)

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16 NLT).

Three Phases of a Woman’s Life

I was listening to a podcast recently where a woman spoke of the three phases of a woman’s life.

The maiden, the mother, and the matriarch.

They’re the “eras” of life, if you will (isn’t that what everyone is saying now?). The phases we live through on this journey, the seasons we traverse in our stories.

Phase 1: Maiden

In the early years of life, you experience the “maiden” phase. It’s a phase of life that is full of hope, energy, and potential. You sense the opportunity to go out and grasp it.

There are no bounds to what you might accomplish. Who knows the mark you will make? You are a Deborah—a judge and warrior full of ideas and plans to shape a nation. You go out there to distinguish yourself. And every small movement of your ambition, guided by our Good Shepherd and Savior, can be a step up and step out to make an eternal difference as you glorify God. It’s the phase of endless possibility because nothing holds you back.

Eventually, you may become a wife and/or a mother.

Phase 2: Motherhood

In the “mother” phase, you give up the freedom to think only of yourself. Your goals now include one, two, three, or four others that you dream and struggle for. You are settling down, starting a family, building a nest, and growing responsible as you learn to put others first. You pour your heart into supporting your spouse’s dreams and training your children into the next generation of believers.

Eventually, those days fade as you enter the final phase—the phase that the world seems to really look over: the “matriarch.”

Phase 3: The Matriarch

You are the woman who has raised her kids and retired from the career of those long hours. You are past the daily distractions and frequent interruptions of your work and the immediate needs of your family.

You are no longer the young beauty, the top rewarded worker, the principal child raiser. Others have taken your place. Wrinkles and scars mark your life lived in the trenches. Yet what you bring is something far more precious.

You are rich in wisdom, life experiences, and eternal perspective. You are now the mentor, teaching younger ones not with mere words but with a lifetime of sacrifice and work.

You have time and value beyond estimation. When you speak quietly in one-on-one conversations, everyone should listen.

Value Every Season of Womanhood

It’s easy to wish we were in a different era in our life. We may think we are too young, too old, too inexperienced, too out-of-touch, or too busy to make an impact. But each era that we live in is meant for us and so beautifully, wonderfully intentional.

Each day and role is a part of your story that God specifically designed and wrote for you. You are a treasure in each season, a trove of opportunity and impact.

My friend, you bring so much to the table. You are perfect in the season you’re in. Live in the era you’re in. For oh, how we need you now.

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.