In His Hands
Lately I've been having a lot of mommy guilt--Nathaniel watches too much TV, Nathaniel doesn't get to play outside as much as he needs to, Abby is being woefully neglected compared to how much time I spent with Nathaniel when he was her age, etc., etc. This leads to ridiculous mommy worry--my children will turn out to be couch potatoes that have no significant relationships, they will be unhappy and unfulfilled, blah, blah, blah. Last night as these thoughts continued to eat away at my joy, I had a realization--God can handle all of this! I can turn my fears and concerns about my children over to God, and He can take care of them. In fact, He can take care of my children! Teaching them God's truths and sharing Jesus' love will develop their spirits and characters and guide them long after I am out of the picture. The weight lifted off and for the first time in a few weeks I felt joy in being a mommy again. Thank you, Lord!
5 comments:
It also might help with your mommy guilt to remember that in Genesis God proclaims at the end of creation "And it was good". Not perfect! Not Ivy League! It was "good". If good is enough for God, then maybe it would help to think it's okay for us to raise good kids, to do good work, have good intentions and feel like a good mom at the end of the day. Ain't no shame in being "good" ; )
I can't imagine the challenges you face as the mother of two young children. I love that you care so deeply about being the best mother to your children & raising them in a healthy way. And you're absolutely right - God can handle all of this. This is something I'm also learning in my own single life (in a very different way, of course). :o)
Jess,
ALWAYS remember that you ARE an expression of GOD: Perfect, Whole and Complete. God NEVER gives us more than we can handle, never tests us beyond our ability to endure; that which does not kill us makes us stronger !!! Never forget WHO you ARE - a full and complete expression of God - of The Christ. Remember this, always and you will come through!!!
Ah, mommy guilt! I struggled with guilt before motherhood, and now there are even more ways to feel guilty. Woo hoo! ;o) Thanks for the reminder that our children's well-being is up to God not us alone. I remind myself that motherhood is a great opportunity to learn more deeply about humility, trust in God, and powerlessness in myself. May God use all the wonderful trials of motherhood to teach us to pray more often and more sincerely and to totally rely on the Holy Spirit.
I abused movies after my second was born (and during morning sickness with my third!). Believe me, this stage will pass and you'll find that your children have not been eternally corrupted. (o:
Seriously, the transition stage is a stage of survival. Soon, it will pass and you will all learn to thrive under the new circumstances.
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