This is a variation of a piece I wrote before, but I wanted to share this newer version with all of you. This is also the piece I used to audition for the Listen to Your Mother show. Though I didn’t make it, I am very passionate about these words. I hope they encourage you today
Dear Mother,
You must be exhausted. Mothering is hard work! I want to encourage you today that no matter how tired you are, no matter how bad the day was or how many times you didn’t do things like you planned, His mercies are new each morning. Put your failures to bed with the kids and don’t wake up with them again. Between the laundry, housework, home work, diaper changes, grocery runs, after school activities, child bundling, carpooling, subway chasing, lunch packing, dinner making, and husband pleasing, it is nearly impossible to feel like the amazing and hot mama that you are!
Remember, you were created with a purpose! Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a career mom juggling an office and kids, your purpose remains. It’s daunting, yes. It seems nearly impossible some days. Those moments you break down in tears and just wonder if it will ever pass, it will.
I promise, it will.
The baby will stop screaming. He will eventually sleep. The child will one day be sweet and obedient. The teenager will one day quit acting absolutely crazy pants. The house work will get done. And yes, you will get to take a shower.
Sometimes Murphy’s Law kicks in and everything you don’t want to happen, happens. On those days, find laughter.
On the hardest days, choose joy.
Remember those less fortunate than you are. The easiest way to feel better about your life is to get your eyes off of yourself and onto others.
But at the same time, don’t discount your hard times and your feelings. They are real and they matter. Your tears matter, so cry them freely. Your situation matters, so experience it deeply. Every minute matters, so live each one passionately. Most of all, YOU matter, so love yourself madly. And remember, bad moments don’t make bad mothers. They just make us human.
So love those babies of yours with every fiber of your being. Give them your everything and let Jesus fill you back up. Take time for yourself when you need it (because let’s face it, we always need it) and don’t feel guilty about it- not even one tiny bit. And if you’re in a season where you can’t leave the kids much, let your mind do the wandering even if your body has to stay put. A good long bubble bath does the body, soul and spirit good.
Every night when I lay my last baby down for bed and kiss his little forehead, I thank God that He trusts me with all of them. And I bet that in their own little way those kids thank God for us, too.
Your children love you. They love you passionately. They love you unconditionally. They love you with grace that you probably don’t understand (I know I don’t). They love you despite your inability to create Pinterest perfect creations for their class parties. They love you when you lose your temper or when you make them do the dishes. They love you when you don’t let them wearing leggings as pants or when you don’t let them see that movie all their friends got to see. They love you on your best days and on your worst days. Those kids love you to the core. Don’t ever let yourself believe otherwise.
Motherhood isn’t easy, but wow… It is worth it. It is SO worth it. It is worth it in ways only mothers can understand. So love them today and let them love you back. Enjoy every single moment. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments. And thank God through them all.
Sincerely,
Meghan Matt- a mother on a mission of love.