Hey Mom, here at Calvary we see you! You are seen in this very busy season trying to balance life while juggling being a mom, a wife, managing a career, homeschooling, or being the family taxi—and we’re cheering you on!

We know it often feels like there’s not nearly enough hours in the day. On top of that, you may be constantly feeling guilty—like you aren’t giving or doing enough. We want to encourage you today to pause, slow down, read this article, and reflect on your thoughts and motives.

Have you ever considered that being a mom is holy? Yes, motherhood is a ministry. It’s a special and beautiful calling, and it’s worship to God. This is a ministry that only YOU can do for your precious few. You’re raising a part of the next generation, which is a priceless, valuable task in the kingdom of God.

These long, crazy days of helping with math homework, packing lunches, doing endless amounts of laundry, and sleepless nights is an honor. Have you ever looked at it that way? To be entrusted with a life to love, nurture, and raise is a privilege and an honor.

My son has always been obsessed with Cuties, as in clementines not girls (although he loves them, too). One evening when he was about eight or nine years old, I remember picking up what felt like hundreds of little orange peels from the floor in his bedroom, the family room, off the dresser . . . everywhere! But in the midst of cleaning them up, I had a moment where I thought to myself, “This is privilege. One day, I’m really going to miss picking up Cutie peels.” And boy, do I. 

The seasons of motherhood aren’t always easy, but oh what a gift. Even on the difficult days, you’re more than capable of fulfilling this calling on your life. God makes no mistakes. He knew you’d be the best mom for your child. He designed all of your child’s gifts and talents, challenges, personalities, strong will, allergies, special needs, or exuberant amount of energy with you in mind. You were made to be your child’s mom. He ordained your family. Don’t you think He will also equip you? He will not abandon you. He’ll give you wisdom and refresh your soul! It’s so important to believe this.

Motherhood, as wonderful as it is, can become more of a burden and less of a joy when we’re focused on the wrong things, especially when we start comparing ourselves to other moms in our lives or what we see on social media. Momma, listen to me, you have no one to impress or keep up with other than the Lord. Embrace your identity in Christ, who you are, who your children are, what your path is. Trust God through the daily grind (the joys and the messes) of motherhood. Put your focus on Him and on raising your unique family to follow the path God has for you and your children.

If you’re anything like me, you might constantly feel like you’re not enough for your kids. If I’m being honest, I’ve ended too many days feeling like a failure (e.g. I didn’t do enough fun activities with my kids, I let my emotions get the best of me, etc.). Then I get on Instagram and see other moms throwing elaborate parties or doing extraordinary activities with their kids, all while looking like they just stepped out of a magazine. The old saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” could not be more true. However, while I might feel like everything around me is asking me to do more and be better, God is inviting me to just be. He switches the script and says, “It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.”

The reality is, most of the time, your kids want you to just be you, to chill, and to just be with them, rather than fill the calendar with activities. I doubt if our kids ever say or think, “My mom just doesn’t do enough” or “I wish she was like that mom.” Never! Our kids love us unconditionally, just like the Father.

Also, don’t forget that while yes you are a mother, you are also a daughter. The same love, care, and comfort you desire to give your children, God also desires to give to you. Can you imagine how different your motherhood journey would look if you led out of the identity of being a daughter of His instead of only the role as mother?

In a world that tells us we should always want more, be more, and do more, we really need to key in on contentment, loving the life we have, and honoring our Father with our time and family. Choosing joy and keeping our cups full to pour into those around us (our children) is something we should strive to do, however imperfectly, every single day.

I love Proverbs 31:25 (NIV) which says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This describes a joyful and excited mom! She laughs at the future because she trusts in her God. She knows He’s got it and that everything is going to be alright.

One practical way to find your joy, understand the calling of motherhood, and not feel overwhelmed that you aren’t living up to or doing enough, is to find your community. When you do life together with other moms, you’ll soon find out that everyone is in the same boat—a wonderful but sometimes rocky ride. Together, the ride can be smoother. Why? Because your community will hold up your arms and help fill up your cup when it’s empty. We all need those safe relationships where we can be honest, vulnerable, and grow together raising this next generation to be world changers for Jesus Christ.

Here at Calvary, we’re for you! We believe in you, we know we’re better together, and we’re cheering you on! If you’d like to be encouraged and do life together with other moms in a group near you, please e-mail SabrinaR@CalvaryFTL.org. For additional resources, go to CalvaryFTL.org/Parenting.