I’ve had moments in the last week when I’ve felt like the WORST mom in the world.
I’ve over-scheduled our day.
I’m exhausted.
The boys are a wreck.
I can’t keep up with the housework.
I’m behind on emails.
As I look around me, I feel like a failure.
I’m a mess and I’m on the verge of losing it.
I’ve had moments in the past week when I’ve felt like the BEST mom in the world.
The dishes are all washed and the counters are clear.
The boys lunches are packed for tomorrow.
We stopped to get frozen yogurt on the way home {fun mom!}
The kids are involved in their own activities.
I’m caught up {mostly} on emails.
Everyone is content.
I have a little space to breathe.
And I even made dinner!
Looking at this objectively, it’s impossible to be the best mom and the worst mom within a span of seven days. I’m reminding myself it’s not all or nothing.
I’m not the best mom, I’m not the worst mom.
I’m just a mom.
I love my kids.
I work hard.
Sometimes, I try to do too much.
I’m imperfect.
I’m allowed to be imperfect.
I’m covered in grace.
Being a good mom isn’t a pass/fail test. (Thank goodness!) It’s a series of moments, made up of the mundane stuff of life with some silliness and crazy mixed in. It’s real. It’s hard. It’s beautiful. I don’t have it figured out and that’s okay.
I hope that over the days and weeks and years, through the good and bad, the ups and downs, my boys grow into strong men who are willing to let life be imperfect, who forgive easily, and who love with their whole hearts. I hope by watching me, they learn to let things be flawed. I hope they let themselves be imperfect.
I truly believe God can make beautiful things out of the broken, messed up stuff of life.
He is changing me and molding me.
When I’m weak, I’m aware of my need for Him.
In my weakness, His strength shines through.
Maybe it’s the imperfect-ness of today that makes tomorrow even sweeter.
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” {2 Corinthians 12:9-11}
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Lisa,
It’s okay for our kids to see that we fail…that we mess up. It’s okay if they see that sometimes we are weak because our super mom cape is at the dry cleaners. It’s what they see us do next that counts. When they see us pause to pray in the midst of a chaotic kitchen. When they see us crack open our Bibles and search God’s word when the sky is falling down around us. It’s when we ask forgiveness for when we’ve been nasty because our fuse is short. That is what will speak volumes to our children. That is how God redeems the messy. When our kids see where we turn when we mess up will give them a road map for their future. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev
So true, Bev. xx
Oh my Lord, thank you! This is what I needed to see today! I am forever thankful motherhood isn’t a pass fail test. And I seem to always have life over promised. Some weeks it’s ok and I flow with the busyness and other weeks I crumble under the overflowing schedule and the to do list smile long. Thank you for the reminder that I am not alone and I’m covered!
I know the feeling of crumbling under an overflowing schedule. Hugs to you Andrea. xx
Such a refreshing reminder! There are times when motherhood feels like a test and I wonder if I’m passing. But then my son smiles up at me, and somehow us being there in it together totally makes up for the messes. I’m starting to realize that I’ve never been more dependent on God that right now, in this season of life.
Those smiles mean so much–they keep me going! xx
Lisa, I’m so, so glad perfection isn’t the standard. God’s grace is what gives us the strength to take the next step after we’ve failed as moms. Grace grows within us the humility to ask for forgiveness from our children when we’ve sinned against them. I’ve had those perfect/imperfect moments in this past week too. I’ve had to apologize to my kids. I’ve had the one who’s way behind on his science fair project say thank you for the hours we’ve spent together to get him caught up.
I cannot imagine walking this motherhood journey without God’s grace and presence holding my hand each step of the way. 🙂
Beautiful post today.
Lovely words Jeanne. xx
I also have days, weeks and even months where I think I am the worst mom ever. My sons are 37 and 23 and there are times when they tell me I forget that. However, there are many times when they let me know in many small ways that no matter what they count on mom. I must be doing something right even with all my imperfections.
Love this! xx
Lisa,
I love this and think you are a blessing to all of us who feel less than perfect most of the time! Thanks for the reminder of God’s wonderful grace.
Tracey
Thank you for your encouragement Tracey! xx
I think most mothers feel that way, most women even without children. We all want to be perfect and fall short. Romans 3:23. We’ve had that ingrained into us, Jesus is the perfect one, that’s why we should rest in His love and then we’re free from strife, and it’s amazing how much gets accomplished. Phillipians 4:13….He loves us perfect and with a few dings.
So true! xx
And all the Moms and friends of Moms who try and encourage us daily rise to their feet and cheer AMEN! Its just the truth Lisa… and we all need it. Thanks for the very real and honest picture of most of our days!
~Jenny
Hugs to you Jenny. xx
Yes Sister! This truth is so liberating isn’t it? I too have been on that spectrum even within one day, let alone a week. But for grace. I’m just a mama after God’s heart learning along the way.
Thanks for being vulnerable! You are a beautiful shining example for all of us!❤️