When I was a young girl, all I wanted to be when I grew up was a mom. While my friends were making plans to have a career or be someone famous, I day dreamed of being a mom and what my family would look like. We would have the perfect house complete with a white picket fence. I would drive a minivan and volunteer for local charities. I would greet my husband at the door every evening with a kiss after his long hard day at work. I would have a girl and a boy (because isn’t that the perfect family?) and of course a dog. My house would always be clean and organized and life would just be grand!
So when I married my prince charming when I was only 18 years old, I was so excited to have a family and have all my dreams come true.
My first dream came true when we had our first baby just shy of our first anniversary. I was a mom finally! But dreams of a perfect life quickly faded when reality set in with a baby who cried all the time. Many times my husband came home to find me and our baby girl crying. I didn’t know what to do and I quickly realized being a mom is everything but dreamy. It was hard, exhausting, messy and constant.
So to the mom who is barely hanging on…I know where you are. I know your exhaustion and your frustration. I know your doubts of being a good mom. I understand.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms;he will carry them in his bosom,and gently lead those that are with young.Isaiah 40:11
I keep this verse close as a reminder that I am not in this alone. My Heavenly Father is leading me, caring for me, ministering to my aching heart even when I don’t realize it. There are days when I know he is carrying me through as if I were a little lamb. He is quieting my soul with his love and compassion.
So to the mom who is barely hanging on…let go. Let go of your expectations of yourself as a mom and of your children. Rest in the loving arms of your Father and seek his guidance and wisdom. Be quiet and listen. Let him lead you as a shepherd leads his sheep.
Take 5 minutes and be still. Ask the Lord to calm you and guide you. And thank him for making you a mom.
By:Dana Bailey
You can read more from Dana on her personal blog: A Little This-A Little That where she blogs about her crazy life as a mom to 11 kids & you can also find Dana at her JoyMoms Blog sharing how to find joy in motherhood.
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