Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Being a mom is a wonderful gift from God. That being said, nothing good comes easy.

Parenthood is a challenge but is also rewarding. I fully believe that God used parenthood to mold parents into better stewards.

Becoming a parent means that you have to lay down your self for tiny humans. You have to take care of their needs, and as Christians, we have to teach them to love like Christ.

What is the best way to do this? Leading by example. And some days, we aren’t the best example.

I believe God uses our children to hold us accountable. I also believe He works through them to encourage us.

”Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];“

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The other day my eldest said: “Mom, you’re the best mom.” I thanked her and told her that I don’t always feel like I am. She then said, “Even though you don’t feel like it, you’re still the best mom.”

These words resonated with me because it reminds me of how God sees us. He doesn’t shame or condemn us for not being perfect or even for sinning. He calls us to repentance and proceeds to forgive us. His forgiveness is always there.

”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“

I John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When my daughter said this to me, I immediately felt encouraged in my motherhood. I’ve had many days where I felt like I was failing as a mom. And the day she said this was one of those days.

It was one of those times when I silently judged myself for how I could’ve and should’ve reacted differently to my children and husband. I condemned myself for falling short and raising my voice instead of responding with a soft answer. I shamed myself for not spending more time playing with my kids instead of cleaning.

As I’m sitting there judging, shaming, and condemning, God is calling me to Him. He calls us to bring our burdens to Him. And even when we mess up, He’s there for us. He’s there to help us, to hold us up, to love us.

”“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.“

John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus said:

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.”

Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Do you have days when you don’t feel like a good mom? Days when you feel like you aren’t enough for your children? Days where you shame yourself for your mistakes?

If so, try and remember that even on the days when you don’t feel like it, you are loved and you are a child of God. Go to Him with your burdens. I promise you, He doesn’t want you to feel shame and He certainly doesn’t condemn you. His forgiveness is waiting. He has called you to motherhood and He believes that you can do this.

Get back up and receive forgiveness and a refreshing from the One that is always there for you!

”But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name;”

John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬