To the Mom In Need Of Grace…

I believe that the most challenging job in the world is to be a mother. Moms are AWESOME and today I wanted to say something specifically to moms...

I truly don’t know how you do it all. You manage everything from being a cook, a chauffeur, a coach, a nurse, a teacher, a janitor, an organizer, a motivational speaker...and most of you do all of this before 9:00am! Most days you’re never thanked for all you do, you’re always putting others before yourself and you often wonder if you’re making any kind of difference at all.

But I can PROMISE you that you are making a difference and one day it will all be worth it. No one else on the planet can do what you’re doing for your children by being their mom.

Recently, I was talking with some ladies on staff at NewSpring about what they’re learning as moms and I heard an overwhelming number of them tell me how much they wrestle with constantly questioning their abilities as a mom. They were telling me how they wonder every day if they are teaching their kids all that they should, if they’re spending enough quality time with them, if they’re feeding them the right foods, if they’re kids are getting enough sleep, and heaven forbid if one of their kids gets sick! (I’ve learned that Google is a terrible thing for moms to have access to sometimes).

It makes sense to me how you’re having to try and figure out how to be a mom every single day because every day is different, every child is different and everything is constantly changing! I never thought about how much this could affect your confidence, so I wanted to write this post and tell you something…

You are living under a bucket of grace. Every single day Jesus is pouring out His love and mercy and grace to you as a mom.

He knows every effort you’re making to be the best mom that you can be, and He’s proud of you.

He knows every night you haven’t slept because you’re rocking that baby to sleep, and He sees you.

He knows every day you’ve skipped washing your hair because you’re too busy taking care of needy little ones, and He still thinks you’re beautiful.

He knows every sacrifice you’ve made to give your kids the very best, and He smiles at you.

He knows every scraped knee you’ve kissed, every sandwich you’ve made, every lullaby you’ve sung, and He’s knows you’re doing these out of love.

He knows every mistake you’re ever going to make as a mom, and He loves you just the same as before.

You are living under a bucket of His grace. And every day that you don’t feel adequate, you have to visualize that bucket of grace pouring out on you, ask Him what to do next and trust that it’s all going to be alright. He loves your children more than you even do, and He’s got all of you in the palm of His almighty hand.

I know that some days you’re still going to feel worried that you’re not doing the right thing, but I hope you’re reminded that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). And that years from now, you’re going to look back on your life, at all of the memories you’ve made as a mom, and you’ll see all the ways Jesus was pouring out His grace on you.

It’s funny how becoming a parent makes you realize just how much God loves us. We know that God had a perfect son named Jesus, that He loved us SO much that He sent Jesus to come and live and teach and one day die for our sins on a cross, but all of that comes into an even greater perspective when we have children of our own.

It makes you realize that whenever you can’t get your baby to stop crying that you also are so needy without Jesus.

It makes you realize that the wild imagination of your toddler is the same kind of wonder we should have when we see His creation.

It makes you realize that whenever your kids are whining because you won’t buy them their favorite cereal that you have probably sounded like that to God in your prayers before.

It makes you realize that all of the sacrifices you’re making as a parent are so small in comparison to what Jesus gave for us...His life.

Moms - I hope these words are encouraging to you. Please know how thankful and proud I am of every mom that I know. I have so much hope for the next generation and I know that your influence as their mom is already impacting them in such a powerful way. Each and everyday you are doing what only you can do - be a mom to your child(ren) and each and every day Jesus is covering you in grace.

For those of you that are about to become a mom...the love you’re going to feel for that tiny baby is so overwhelming. I hope and pray that it shows you just a little more about our Father’s love for you.

AND if you HAVE a mom...I would encourage you to call her or send her a text or email to tell her how much you love her and how much you appreciate all she does for you!