Motherhood
When did motherhood become a three-headed monster? Why has the blessing of children turned into a burden, riddled with stress, anxiety, and tension? Based on observations and conversations, many of the moms I know feel highly anxious and exhausted most of the time.
After 43 years of being a mother, I have a couple of thoughts to share.
They stem from years of mistakes, failures, countless expressions of mercy and grace extended by my family, and from the timeless wisdom of God revealed in His Word. Everything in your life changes when you become a mother. That's a fact. How you respond to that reality will impact everything, especially the opportunity for God to work His life in and through you, influencing your children's faith in Him.
You have every reason to declare, “I feel like I’m never enough.” You aren’t, and you never will be.
You weren’t created to be all things to all people.
Learning to trust that Jesus is more than enough is a lifelong pursuit. But when you follow Him, you will discover you have more than enough for every need.
When you feel like you're under a microscope or being judged by parents, relatives, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and others, you often are. So what? Whose opinion matters? Who is “enough” to guide and lead you?
Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) says it like this: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Cultivating life in the Word of God grows roots of Christ confidence.
We are not gifted with children so we can dedicate ourselves to reproducing an updated or improved version of ourselves. Instead of seeking satisfaction in creating mini mes, let's pray and train them to be more like Jesus.
In an age of beautiful images and unrealistic expectations, it's easy to view ourselves as stage managers instead of guardians of the atmosphere where life and faith are nurtured and cultivated. Without constant heart checks, the desire to serve your family is easily swallowed up by the spotlight on the leading lady.
Take heart! You will fail. You will fall apart.
You will drop the ball and lose the battle—sometimes.
But fear not the world and its evils; for it underestimates the power of a great and mighty God who has gifted you with the blessing of motherhood. Take it from one who knows, "His strength is made perfect in weakness." So fall on your face, call out to your heavenly Father who waits to empower and equip you for today, tomorrow, and forever.
If I had known then what I know now, I might have been a better mother. But it’s not about me feeling better about myself; it’s about telling of His faithfulness through it all and making His name great!
