"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15b
On this Mother’s Day we celebrate all women; mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and pray whatever season of life you are in and whatever unique burdens you shoulder, you are counting all as joy (James 1:2)!
We are often tempted to observe what transpires in other families on celebratory holidays, measuring ourselves by how the cards, gifts, and acknowledgements we receive compare. We tie our expectations to tangible wordly goods, believing the enemy who taunts us with feelings of inadequacy. We forget there is no one-size-fits-all ideal mom and the bar we set for ourselves is too often unnattainably high. We allow mistakes and shortcomings to consume us instead of focusing on the new mercies and clean slate offered through our gracious and loving Savior— Jesus Christ every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
He is our gift received, along with renewed strength, daily. One who removes self criticism, comparisons, failures, regret, and mommy guilt, covering them in His own blood; replacing the joy thieves with strength and endurance — reminding us there is joy in this imperfect journey and that it's not about us — it's about holiness; growing in the image of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
The following article offers up some thoughts and ideas about shifting our way of thinking about the goals of motherhood:
What is the Goal of Motherhood? Excerpt By Gloria Furman
Motherhood is a piece of evidence of God's triumphant agenda to give life despite the curse of death. It is a gift that points us to Jesus. As life marches on to the praise of God's glory, we see a riveting display of the grace of our Father, who will fulfill His promise to give His Son an inheritance of nations to the praise of His glory. There's no greater goal than that.
Read the article in its entirety here: What is the Goal of Motherhood | True Woman
Further reading:
This Mother's Day Don't Worry | The Gospel Coalition
How to Find the "Happy" in Happy Mother's Day | Girl Talk Home