As a mom of two girls, I hope that they will bring kindness into a world that so often feels dark with hate crimes, poverty, entitled attitudes and war.
I just want kindness – for my girls, their friends and our world.
I just want kindness – for my girls, their friends and our world. #imperfectmom Share on XAnd yet I myself have so far to go in being kind.
I lay my head on the pillow each night and wonder if my words of discipline were too harsh, my patience wore too thin or I wasted another day not using the gifts God gave me for good.
It is so easy to get down on ourselves.
We wake up early, prepare meals for our kids and spouses, try to get laundry and cleaning done, many of us go to work outside the home, only to get home with more laundry, cooking and cleaning to do.
We never feel like we have it all together.
We never feel like we have it all together. #imperfectmom Share on XWe are exhausted!
But in the midst of this feeling of being a far too imperfect mom, I am reminded of these three truths:
1. God Has a Plan and a Purpose for ALL Things.
Just as we have children we are trying to raise well, our God continues to raise us. He gives us experiences, both enjoyable and challenging, which grow us into the women He wants us to be.
Sometimes it’s through the rapids of life where we gain the strength and wisdom we need to be more effective moms, spouses and friends.
2. Life Comes in Seasons
It used to drive me crazy when someone would say “this too shall pass” because they clearly had no understanding – at all – of the “hard” I was going through!
But they are all right. Life does come in seasons and both the great ones and the hard ones will pass. If there is one thing we know that it is certain – it’s that change is inevitable.
When life feels too hard to manage, remember Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This, too, really will pass! But so will the joyful times.
Can we work to cherish all of our moments for what our great God is doing during those seasons?
3. Trust the God who Created and Redeemed You!
Trusting people is hard for me. It even takes genuine effort to know that I can trust my husband and still, there are times I hurt him with my doubt.
The truth is – people are human. Not even WE can be trusted 100% of the time. But you know who can be trusted?
Yep – you’ve got that right. Our God is 100% trustworthy 100% of the time! Can I get an Amen?
He knows people will fail us. He knows we will fall short too.
But in our failings, He also offers redemption. He uses our hurts and imperfections for good.
But in our failings, He also offers redemption. #imperfectmom Share on XOne of the hardest seasons of my life was when great friends fell short for me. Friends who assured me of their commitment during a hard season had chosen to bow out of doing life with me. Ouch!
And while that rejection ached at such a deep level, God’s love for me ran so much deeper!
He had a GOOD thing in store for me!
In that rejection, I learned just how much I could endure with no one but Him by my side. And shortly after that, He allowed my heart to open up and fall in love with the man I now call my husband.
Nothing – not even our deepest hurts or imperfect mom moments – goes wasted.
Will you trust Him with me?
So here is the deal, my friends. Our lives – of course they are imperfect, and that’s why we need Jesus! But our lives are also filled with purpose, with the ups and downs that are meant to teach us, and with opportunities to learn that our God can be trusted.
Be still with me, my friends, and KNOW that He is God! (from Psalm 46:10)
Be still with me, my friends, and KNOW that He is God! #imperfectmom Share on XEven when our hearts feel unkind, let’s trust that He is good!
About the Author: Sarah Wesgate is a wife, mom, and passionate student of leadership on a mission to raise children with the heart and skills to influence others well, and equip other parents to do the same. Educated in Sport Psychology, she enjoys reading, writing, and being outside! She especially cherishes moments with her two girls and husband! You can follow her on Pinterest or Instagram.
So true. I had wonderful Godly women reminding me of these things throughout those hard days of parenting. It didn’t make it easier, but the reminders helped keep things in perspective for me. Now, I look back and see how true, very true…. and so worth it!
Thanks for your comment, Dawnita! It is always encouraging to hear perspectives from moms who have gone through it and can look back and share their wisdom! Many blessings to you!