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Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religions (and for mothers who are not necessarily religious). Each Sunday, we post a spiritual essay, and we would love to gather a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Our goal is to be respectful of all beliefs while simultaneously offering opportunities to share meaningful, spiritual thoughts with one another.
As I dressed my four-year-old son Conner this morning, I was taken by surprise. Conner’s mannerisms, personality, and body build are no longer that of a toddler, but rather a little man.
As I reflected upon the four years we have shared together, I was filled with the desire to somehow start all over. Knowing what I know now, there are mistakes I would not make again, and hours that I would not spend worrying. I would have spent more time holding and loving my babies, and less time worrying about creating bad habits, my body image, or my social status.
But the truth is, I would still make mistakes. If I was allowed the amazing opportunity to start this journey of motherhood anew, I would still spend too much time worrying, and I would most definitely fall short of the mother I want to be.
Regardless of what I do, I will always fall short of the mother I want to be when I attempt to do it all by myself.
But joy is found when I acknowledge that motherhood was not intended to be a solo plight. God is there with His arms outstretched, ready to help me every step of the way. Through His constant love and tutelage, I can become the mother I was created to be. Through His love, I can better meet the needs of my children, husband, family, and friends.
I just have to reach upwards, towards Him.
Sometimes it is hard to remember to make time in my day for Him. Overwhelming to-do lists, the constant needs of my children, and exhaustion all have a way of distracting me from the most important relationship I have – my relationship with God.
QUESTION: How can our relationship with God help us reach our goals for motherhood?
CHALLENGE: Find a solo moment today to reach out to God and include Him in one of your mothering struggles or thank Him for one of your mothering triumphs!
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Comments (2)
In the past six months I have reached out to God for help in mothering much much more than I have in the past. The difference is astounding. My eyes have been opened to what I need to do and my shortcomings don’t seem as big anymore! My hope has increased and my joy. Thanks for this article.
Thank you. I needed the reminder that I am not alone (completely) in raising my children. Your challenge is what I need and I am grateful for your reminder. Thank you.
Angie, thank you so much for this simple, yet astoundingly important reminder. When I was a young first time mother, I made time every morning before my son woke to pray and ask for God’s help during the day. And on days when I forgot, I noticed a difference!
Almost a decade, and two more babies later, I confess I forget more times than I remember and it’s been weighing heavily on my heart. It’s kind of like running headfirst into a wall and instead of looking around for a door, continuing to push harder and harder on the wall getting frustrated and exasperated. And there’s God, looking through that open door thinking “Silly girl…here I am! Look over here!”
Thanks for pointing me to the door. I needed it!
This is something I struggle with constantly. It is far too easy for me to forget that I have the greatest parent of all time as my biggest help. Why do I forget that? Why do I try to do it by myself? And it really is up to me to just ask. It’s that simple. But I make it hard. Thank you Angie for the reminder to reach up.