Renewed Hope

I like to think that Motherhood looks more like my profile pictures. But we all know that's not how it really is, don't we? I mean, it's filled with scrambling for time to get a shower, constantly prioritizing the most urgent needs of the moment, racking our brains for wisdom on how to raise these sweet, adorable little cuties (AKA hooligans).,and  We love them, don't we? But they drive us mad some days. Recently, another Mom shared something with me that has changed how I see motherhood. She shared Mom Core by Karen Stubbs with me. And, beginning to understand the purpose of motherhood has been transformational for me. 

As I listened to Karen speak, I felt life breathed back into me! She shares in a way that breathes the life of God's word back into Moms everywhere. Karen shares about learning to be an influencer in our children's lives, how God sees what we are doing as oh so valuable, the importance of not making our children our 'report card' (or plan for promotions) because kids just don't always behave and make pretty awful report cards. She shared stories from her life that made me laugh and know that she UNDERSTANDS the embarrassing moments of Motherhood.

For me, being a Mom has been this huge, giant, long struggle. I don't know if it's been that way for you, but it's definitely my story. Moments of joy mingled with tears, anger, hurt, resentment... I'm NOT perfect. I'm imperfect. And so are my kids. And, the combination has been nothing short of a whirlwind roller coaster. A lot of this was because I believe I was dealing with a lot of hormone swings and possibly some Postpartum Depression. But, a really big chunk of it was how I was viewing life as a Mom. I had some fairytale view of what it would be and how I would navigate this thing so neatly and tidily. I was going to ROCK this! And, guess what? I didn't, I don't, but I do. Because you see, God gave me (gave YOU), the tools to do this! We ARE doing this so well in His sight as we seek wisdom from Him, counsel from wise Christians who have gone before us, and walk humbly before God in this task. 

Isaiah 40:11

"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."

Our job is long term. And, we really aren't going to see results today or even tomorrow. But, we can learn how to be fulfilled in how GOD sees us. It was such a HUGE jump for me going from seeing my reward in the form of a paycheck every couple of weeks to the reward of exhaustion and the baptizing in various bodily fluids by my sweet gifts from God. There's not a whole lot of praise or reward in hearing the call, "Mooooommmmmmm, I need you to wiiiipe myyyy buuuuuut!" And, at the end of the day, who knows how many diapers, butt wipes, clothing changes and meals cooked later, our only thanks is often wondering if we still have enough energy to give ourselves a shower and put our PJ's on. I mean, sometimes, I think just passing out on the couch in my clothes sounds great! Other days, I am just so thankful for QUIET that I just want to sit and watch a show other than "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" or the like. And, yet other days, I just want an intelligent conversation that isn't dominated by kids. I feel empty, and, when I am not filled back up, it leads very quickly to despair, self pitty... Tell me I'm not alone here. 

I'm still climbing my way up from the Vally of despair. But I have HOPE. And I want to offer it to you too. We Moms need to stick together, right? Let's edify each other in the Lord. Let's remember to tell each other when we see one another doing the mundane that is so often unseen by anyone. Because we all know this is HARD. But we are uniquely equipped to raise the gifts that God has given to us. Even if we don't feel like it. God WANTS to lead us and our young ones. He wants to be there for us!

Matthew 7:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

 Do you need a few words of life and wisdom as a Mom too? I hope you will find Karen Stubbs Mom Core  to be as life-giving as I have.