If you’re a mom, do you recall the early days of motherhood? When laundry was endless and the nights were endlessly without sleep?
When that infant became a toddler and first called you by name? Mama.
When your heart melted on the spot to see someone so small, so tender, so vulnerable, reaching out for you?
I recall those initial months of motherhood. I desperately wanted to get it right. I had learned a lot professionally about child development- not just about their bodies but their minds and creativity and growing in faith. I was certain of one thing: there was no way I could do this perfectly.
And I didn’t.
I made mistake after mistake.
But I can confidently say I believe my children saw me apologize after those mistakes. They saw me pray. And we prayed together.
They knew I was not instructing them to do things I myself would not do.
Over the years we had many laughs and tears. But as each of my three daughters grew up, she witnessed my fears, frustrations and faith.
Each saw my mishaps, mistakes, and deep desire to try to do things God’s way.
Now one daughter is a mother to two young, boisterous boys. She recently told me she was surprised how much patience she needs.
We recounted how God supplies what we need. Then we recalled how God can use anything, even our mistakes. Another daughter spoke to how those times my apology meant the world to her- seeing that I as her mother made mistakes too.
For all moms: it’s alright to make mistakes.
You show you’re human.
You model how to ask for forgiveness.
You show how to graciously accept God’s greatness gift: grace.
As Mother’s Day comes, and you work hard to honor your mom, your mother-in-law, and others who are particularly important to you, may I encourage you to also honor the person God created to mother your children?
God made you. He picked you to be the parent to the child(ren) you have. He made you on purpose, for a purpose.
Accept the compliments graciously.
Ignore the flaws you think loom larger than life. Realize that Proverbs 31:28 is in the making, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” (NIV )
If you find yourself more frustrated by your efforts than finding freedom in God’s guidance, maybe it’s time to balance a bit more grace with trying to live for him. God knows we make mistakes but he also knows when our hearts are trying to align with his. He loves us and he wants us to live loved, enjoying the freedom of his grace. We can ask him for help in trying to balance those in our lives.
Let’s ask Him together for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please remind me to spend some time at your feet. I must remember that in this important role of mom, you first called me to be your daughter. Spending time with you does not take away from the things you have called me to, it equips me to do what you have called me for. Lord, thank you for forgiving my mistakes. Help me to be the mom my children need. In my quest to be your girl, help me to turn to you for help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.