Recognizing what you already are.

I thanked her for her kindness and laughed, “If only you knew…” but refrained from debasing myself any further by pointing out all the flaws that are so real to me.

That was oh, so kind of her to say. And while I knew all the realities of that very morning, I chose to hold my tongue and let it be.

I regularly (possibly daily?) wonder if I do enough, give enough, or am enough for the little (and big) people in my life.

If you often feel like I do, I’ll share these following truths louder so perhaps these will reach your ears. Because, if I am real, I am also spelling this out for myself…

1. God is the ultimate parent
2. He gave these babies to you.
3. God equips the called (that’s you)
4. Worried you’re not a good parent? That’s a sure sign you already are.

A pause for some lovely encouragement from @thetruthandlightco (IG post)

[Disclaimer]

First, I think what I need to admit–yes, even to myself–is that being a good mom is so not about “being enough.” Fill in the blank… good, gentle, pretty, strong, patient, smart, thin, social, busy, not busy, etc.

Enough already. It’s not about any of that at the end of the day.

God did not give me/you these children to parade about as a badge self-honor. I speak from personal experience that it is hard to be prideful when you’ve out and about in the world and have got all your kids in tow. (Add dad being on a work trip.)

And children, although they do reflect us as parents, I think, it’s less about their behavior (think: public meltdown of any level) or about how you should correct them and appease what may be projected from onlookers–but their little existence paints a picture (or caricature?) of how they are loved in that moment when they are not acting the most loving.

In short, choosing to love them, above all other things is always the best choice. We were made to do just that.

With that I could just stop here.

God is the ultimate parent

But don’t we just have the most incredible heavenly Father? He is so patient and loving and kind to us. He gave up His son–I don’t think I could ever do that! He fills us with genuine, real love to spill out on others. He is long suffering.

And, can I add, He, too, gets mad at disobedience. Slow obedience, anyone? That sure gets my goat. But what about me, as His child? I am not the perfect picture of quick feet or a happy heart–I can admit that at least. And so maybe I should get convicted when I lose patience with my kiddos. My Heavenly Father would have waited even longer before raining down the wrath.

There is so much power in a word. And our Father has given us His Word that speaks life into us. May we ever only speak life into our children as well.

God gave these babies to you

As your sweet baby is fearfully and wonderfully growing under your heart He already knew what kind of a mom you’d be. He already knew what your child would experience growing up in your home.

One thing that often comes to me in the quietness of the day is the amazement that God gave these children that I have to me. Me. He already planned it out and placed these precious, unique little personalities in my heart–even before I met them!

He knows what He’s doing whether I do or not.

God equips the called

As I anticipated the birth of my first child of course there was a juggling of all the thoughts like… is it going to hurt? how will I know when he needs to eat? what am I going to do when we first arrive home? will I ever be the same again?

All the things.

And I don’t know about how it was for you, but when I was approaching the arrival of my second baby, I cried just about every night thinking that there was no way I was going to be able to divide and multiply my love for yet another human being. And look at us now, 5 years later, there is another whole little person added since then and I think we’re doing okay.

What God calls you to, He above and beyond equips you with exactly what is needed when it is needed. He provides the love, the patience, the endurance–and everything else you have ever needed–at just the right time.

He chose you to be their mom. And I don’t know about you, but I am so very honored and humbled that it is me.

Signs you’re doing okay

I mean, enough said, amiright?

And yet I will continue to fret from time to time because I need to be sure I have not slacked off. I dare not. But from time to time I need to be reminded that I am indeed doing my best. God will bless the rest. And, boy, do I love my little family. God has surely given me the greatest little gifts.

Here is an encouraging read: Signs You’re a Good Parent
And another one: When You’re Doing It Right

Thanks for the chat! Until the next one…!