I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about being a mom. What does it mean to be a mom? How do we parent 7 children when each of them has particular needs and unique quirks? How do we be everything we need to be for each one of our children? Some days I feel that I am failing miserably, other days I find myself thinking, "that went pretty good". I feel totally inadequate on so many levels! Help!
As you read this you may notice what I noticed about my way of thinking - it's all about me. Oops. You see I didn't get to be a mom all on my own, the Lord brought me to this place. Though part of my life is a dream come true, the only reason it is what it is is because the Lord has brought me to this time and place. I had been taking God out of the equation, trying to be a mom on my own steam. I can't be everything to my children, only the Lord can. I have been in the Word and greatly enjoying a study of David recently, but in the mom department I had not been recognizing the Lord's presence. ( I thought it was men who were the ones to compartmentalize.)
So..... what to do now. Well, first I need to take in some principles from my study of David. I need to recognize that I am right, on my own I'm not the best mom. It is when I moment by moment rely on the Lord that I handle situations appropriately. Remember when I am weak, He is strong. Secondly, I need to follow Christ's example. Respond to my children as Christ would respond. He shows me infinite grace, I need to show more grace to my children. Talking with other moms I don't think that I am the only one who feels the Lord tapping on my shoulder when I'm talking to my children. And lastly, I need to ask God to remind me of the reason I am a mom. I am right where the Lord put me, being the cracked pot I am He desires to fill in those cracks and to use me in the lives of my children.
I need to seek refuge in the Lord on the days when I feel worn down, I need to rely on him fully each day. Recently our Bible Study teacher shared that she set her timer for 30 minutes during the day to remind her to recognize the Lord's presence in her day. Excuse me while I go set my timer.
4 comments:
Thanks, Amy! I needed that encouragement too. So often, I'm living day to day in my own strength, not relying upon the Lord and His infinite grace. How often I am brought very low with discouragement when the Lord is with me all along. We miss you guys!
It's hard to think of our selves as a "work in progress", even as an adult, but the simple fact is: we are. It is a good reminder that God is the potter and we are the clay:)
Thank you Amy. I needed that. Being a mom isn't easy but fortunately we are not alone. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Thank you for sharing your heart... needed that. ((HUGS)) Amy
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