Dear Mama, You Are Enough

Sometimes I look at Grady and think, “I don’t deserve you.” He’s so much awesome in one little boy.

A friend recently told me a story about losing her patience with her son. When it was over she was teary-eyed and said, “Why can’t I be like one of those moms I look up to?” Oh sweet friend, no mama is perfect.

I felt for my friend. I often feel like Grady deserves better. That I am not enough.

Then I remember that God chose me to be Grady’s mother. Jeremiah 1:5 begins “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Before God picked you to be your baby’s mama he knew your baby. He knew what your baby needed… and he chose you!

So, if God choses us specifically for our children, why do we have moments where we feel like we have failed? Perhaps we also need our children to teach us patience, grace, and understanding. Each test teaches us something.

I remember trying to get out the door for church one day when Grady was about nine months-old. Grady was screaming and wiggling free every time I tried to change his diaper and get him dressed. By the time I finished getting us both dressed, the diaper bag packed and the car loaded we were about 15 minutes behind schedule and I was exhausted. The next weekend, I packed the diaper bag the night before, I set out my outfit as well as Grady’s, and when it was time to get him dressed I had his favorite show ready to distract him while I changed his diaper. We made it out the door early. In the six months since, we haven’t been a minute late for church.

I hope that I can be the mom who…

-uses a broken vase to teach about being careful and respecting other people’s belongings.

-uses running late as a lesson in preparation.

-uses a forgotten homework assignment to explain organization.

I know I will have my instances of what I consider to be failure, but personally, I think it is important for our kids to see us have occasional moments of weakness, to realize that we are just as human as they are.

When we lose our patience with our children they often become frustrated with or disappointed with themselves. On occasion this is important. This is the opportunity to explain to our children that they feel this way because they love us. If these moments don’t occur, then we lose the opportunity to teach them this lesson.

Mamas, give yourself grace as your work towards giving your children more grace. Know that as you work towards being the mother you want to be your child is witness. They are seeing that you value and love them enough to want to improve.

Dear Mama, You are enough.

Photo Credit: Egan Eyes Photography

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