This post is from contributor Marianne Sunderland
I glanced over the towering mound of laundry perched at the end of my bed to sneak a look at the alarm clock on my night stand. My heart skipped a beat as I realized the time. So late, and what have I done today? Why, the day was nearly over and there sat my to-do list – virtually untouched.
I sank, frustrated, onto my bed. Thoughts of our chaotic day flooded my memory, reminding me of the time I chose to surf the web rather than play with my kids, the bowls of cold cereal that my kids had eaten for lunch, and other ways that I had fallen short of the mark as a mom that day.
Angry, self-accusations began to fly.
“What kind of mother are you?”
“You should know better.”
“Christian, ha! You’re no different than the world!”
Have you ever had a day like that? You know–the ones that leave you feeling like a failure, battle-weary, and discouraged?
Take heart because you are not alone! We all struggle with feeling condemnation. Thoughts like, “Try harder!” and “Do more!” causing feelings of guilt to rage through our hearts.
Now, I am not advocating ignoring your kids for Facebook or feeding your kids a steady diet of junk food, but you know, we all do it at times. We all fall short.
The good news in all of this is that we are not defined by how much we get done! Nor by how productive we have been, or how good we are.
We would do well to remember that our identity as busy wives and mothers is not found in following a set of rules or meeting any man-made set of expectations. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
As Christians, our confidence comes from who we are in God. By putting our trust in the things of this world, whether it be our competence as mothers or our kids’ achievements or any other earthly thing, we are missing the point of walking this earth with God.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
Lay your burdens down at the foot of the cross and carry on. God says to ‘be still and know that He is God.’ When is the last time you sat at your Father’s feet, silent and meditating on who He is and what He has done?
He promises to meet all of our needs. Focus on Him and seek Him. Delight in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart!
Latest posts by Marianne Sunderland (see all)
- Does Your Homeschool Need a Grace Year? - December 30, 2015
- 7 Simple Ways to Wash Your Children in the Word - September 23, 2013
- Mercy and Motherhood - August 16, 2013
- Abundant Life During Abundant Trials - July 9, 2013
You described my day yesterday, almost to the letter! How I needed to read this. Thank you for the encouragement. I’ve been very overwhelmed and discouraged.
Beautifully said Marianne!
As soon as I see your email in my inbox I know it is directed at me. Every. Day. I don’t know how you manage to call me out, but you do. 🙂
Praying for you Jennifer. Give it to the Lord and let Him guide you!
Thanks Teresa! Nice to hear from you. 🙂
You are loved!! Isn’t it awesome walking with the Lord?!