photo credit: IMG_0526 EDIT by Rowley Taylor via photopin (license)
“Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13 NASB
We’ve often heard that one’s perception of God stems from the character and conduct of his/her earthly father. I tend to agree, yet that likelihood doesn’t diminish a mother’s role. Ordinarily, a child is comforted and nurtured in a mother’s arms. Her listening ear and wise counsel go far, providing tender guidance at pivotal times. A mother’s firm hand and confident discipline can shape a child’s future.
Do you ever feel like you’ve totally dropped the ball as a mom? (Click to tweet).
Goodness, I do. It’s difficult to celebrate motherhood when I feel like I’m still figuring things out after 21 years. But maybe that’s the point—there is no grand moment when we become the epitome of motherhood. Whether we accomplish the feat of potty training, survive the teen years with a tender heart, or release our grip from adult children, moms should celebrate all along the way.
Being a mom is my most difficult endeavor. I can’t tell you how many times I simply don’t know what to do. Yet God is teaching me even now to ask Him for wisdom. To wait on Him. To trust and obey Him. Sometimes I become frustrated and weary. Sometimes I crave a break. Many times I long for the house to stay clean and orderly.
But most of all, I yearn for my kids to know God, serve God, and seek God. (Click to tweet)
As imperfect as I am and as clueless as I often feel, God is able to work through me to reach the hearts of my children as they grow in their faith. He made me their mom for a reason, a purpose. And I guess it’s okay with Him if I keep pursuing the whys, whats, and hows of motherhood.
Instead of getting mired down by past failures, let’s learn from them, move on, and celebrate our God-given mom-strengths.
I’ll start: Today, I choose to celebrate that God has gifted me as a mom who loves, listens, and prays.
How about you, dear reader? What are some of your God-given mom-strengths?* Please comment below for everyone’s encouragement. Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you.
*This question was inspired by a FB post written by my friend, Emily Stewart.
