Even after twelve years of being a mother, I find that I tend to take stock of my flaws. They are ever before me, looming over my head as I charter the waters of mothering, wondering if I can be a good mother. Do you ever find yourself saying, "If I was had more patience...maybe if I didn't have a temper...if only I had a better personality...why can't I get it together like other moms?"
God created each of us to mother, He also created us with the flaws we have. It's through our weaknesses that we can grow and He purposefully made us with these flaws so we know that when we make headway in a particular area, we know that He is walking with us. God also provided a direction of thinking when we begin to get down on ourselves. Take Philippians 4:8 for example, when we find that all we can see is our flaws, His word says, "Finally brothers, what is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on about these things." (ESV).
When we think about the remarkable things He is through our lives as we mold and shape our children, we can find joy in our walk with Him. He asks us not to see our flaws, but to see what He is doing through our insecurities. When I compare myself to when I first became a mother to who I am now, I can see where God has made awesome progress. It's up to us to keep our hearts focused on Him!
What do you find to be the hardest part of mothering in terms of viewing yourself. How do you set the example of resting in who your are as God's child in front of your children? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. You can visit my site, or visit me on Facebook at Saved by Love.
Good morning mamas, Don't forget to post your thoughts. Your comments encourage other moms!
ReplyDeleteThis is great Heather and exactly what I needed today! Thanks girl!
ReplyDeleteJami
Hi I'm a new follower from MomBloggers. Being a mother is the most importast job in the world. sometime we need to take our thoughts and sit down with them to know what is important in our lives!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Hi Heather! I loved your post today. It's so easy to become overwhelmed with all that we are not - but God has designed us in His image to do good things in the lives of our kids. I'm so glad He is faithful to work in and through imperfect moms like me!
ReplyDeleteI try to set the example for my kids by just being honest with them: We all mess up. We all sin. But God can and will redeem a heart that longs for Him. I apologize to my kids when I'm in the wrong and let them see me giving Him glory when things go well. Lots of prayer doesn't hurt, either. :)
Blessings to you!
Jana
Great post Heather. I'm a new follower from MBC. I think we all have "mother's guilt" and this post reminds us that it comes with the territory, we all can improve and God helps us get there. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTracy www.mama-press.com