"I am imperfect and no matter how hard I try, my children will never be perfect. But when I am resting in the life I have in Christ, my children, in spite of me, still have the opportunity to turn out okay. God is their true source of life, just as He is my source of life, and I am just a tool in His hands that He uses to communicate His life to them. In the end, He is in charge of their souls' destinies. I have learned to live freely in this knowledge, balancing the tension of ideals and reality by enjoying His constant love and help."
-The Mom Walk
While striving to maintain ideals in your household is important, no mother will ever be capable of perfection (no matter how hard we try). The hard work you accomplish matters--every meal, each candle lit, the stories read, the morning devotions, the hugs and kisses, many prayers--it is the most valuable work. However, allow yourself grace and remember that while you are their mother, you are not their God.
God has trusted you with these sweet children who will look to you as the example, giving your children a healthy pattern that they can follow. When they become adults and are living on their own, they will have memories and examples of how to face their own problems because they have a godly picture of it from the life of their mother. While your great influence in their lives is significant, it is crucial that you remember to rest in the love of Christ, knowing that at the end of the day, He is in charge. Take a deep breath, and don't put too much pressure on yourself today.
Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." -Proverbs 19:21
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28
"In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." -Job 12:10
Ask yourself: -Am I putting so much pressure on being the perfect mother that I am attempting to take on the role of God? -How can I better allow God to help and take control in my life, as well as the lives of my children? -How can I allow myself to rest in the help and love of God today?