Have you ever felt like the worst mother in the entire world? I sure have. Honestly, I couldn’t count the number of times if I tried. There have been times when I’ve yelled, I’ve said the wrong thing, I’ve lost my patience, or I’ve been selfish. And every time, the guilt comes crashing down, reminding me that I’ll never be good enough no matter how hard I try - that, because of my deficiencies, I’m going to ruin my children forever.

And then, there are times when I feel totally on top of it and it’s easy to remember that God chose me, purposefully, to be the mother of my children. I am connected, I am confident and I’m doing a good job. I’m overwhelmed by my love for them, and feel that same love and appreciation reciprocated in my children’s affection for me.

How both of these feelings can be experienced by the same human being, often in close succession, is a little bit mind boggling to be honest. There is a wide range in emotions that we mamas will feel as we wade through the trenches of walking out our callings as mothers. At times we will feel under-qualified, under-equipped, and just plain old not good enough.

Living in a culture driven by constant connectivity and social media sure doesn’t help. All we have to do is scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and we are reminded how “perfect” all the other moms out there are - the ones whose kids always look picture perfect, whose hair and makeup is daily done to perfection, whose homes are spotless, whose husbands are happy, who make delicious homemade meals and craft with their kids each afternoon.

But I’m here to remind you that that isn’t reality, sweet mama, and perfection isn’t something God ever intended you to work so hard for. That’s why He sent His son to save us all. By His grace, we no longer have to slave and toil for approval or worth - we are worthy just because we are His, and He has chosen YOU to be your children’s mother. I promise you, that wasn’t a mistake. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5, New International Version)

God will be faithful to stay right by your side as you go about raising and pouring into the babies He’s entrusted you with. Take comfort in these words from the Psalmist, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8, NIV) He will supply your every need, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Lastly, don’t forget to keep the end goal in mind as you press on. Every day that you step up to bat, you are making a deposit into the lives of your children, and God can multiply even the smallest things we bring to the table. In Psalm 128:2 it says, “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” And your work now will continue to pay off for generations to come!

God Chose You, Mama