A Confessional for Mother's Day

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I am not a perfect mom.  Let's take it a step further.  I am not a Pinterest mom. I don't have cutesy craft projects displayed in my house (I admire those who do). Most of my meals I make come from the freezer (I wish they didn't). When I drop off my kids at school, I am still wearing my pajamas and I pray that I don't have to go inside for anything. My frustration rises when my children argue continuously in the car after I tell them to stop.

When I compare myself to that stand out lady in Proverbs 31, I think, "there is NO WAY."  Not even on my best day.  I actually tried to "be" the Proverbs 31 woman for 31 days.  I made it to day four and quit.

In my Proverbs 31 woman experiment I learned something though.  You don't have to be the "perfect" wife and mom to make a difference in the kingdom of God and the life of your family.  That is where Christ takes over and grace abounds.  I believe that the Proverbs 31 woman is being a woman of wisdom; living each day in the fear of the Lord.

In my imperfections I pray.  I pray that God may take over where I fail.  I pray that my family will see Christ in me.  And the Lord answers my prayers through my resurrected Savior.  Hebrews 4:16 states, Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. If I can have confidence in my approach to God, I can have boldness in the way I manage my household.

 Recently, my husband sent me flowers with a card, reminding me of the impact I have on my family.  It was the encouragement I needed.  The same day, my son asked if he could tell me what he was planning for Mother's Day.  My children have been working tirelessly on projects for tomorrow.  Even typing the previous sentence, a lump forms in my throat.

God's mercies come new each morning.  In my life, they arise as a kiss on the forehead from my husband and a wake up reminder from my son.  These little acts show me how blessed I truly am.

I praise God for my imperfections because they keep me reliant upon Him.  I pray that I might always strive to grow wiser and to never grow weary.  Yet, I always pray that I allow Him to lead my family.



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