The one thing I prayed for at Mass this morning was the grace to see what is most important in life, to accept my imperfections and to be the best I can be for my children (according to the Lord's calling for my life, not the world's standards and expectations). Yesterday was one of those days where I was really struggling with self-doubt and discouragement. I confess to fighting a daily temptation of critical self-analysis, and I have a feeling that I'm not the only mom out there who fights these feelings.
It's that little relentless voice inside that says, "I wish I was funny, I wish I was more creative, I wish I could write better, cook better, craft better, I wish I could teach with more enthusiasm and less frustration, I wish I had the hormones I had in college, I wish, I wish, I wish."
But, the truth is, I'm not that perfect-in-pictures "Pinteresting" mom.
I'm not the most entertaining mom.
I'm not the most social mom.
I'm not the most glamorous mom.
I'm not the most athletic mom.
I'm not the most funny mom.
I'm not the most patient mom.
I'm not the most intelligent mom.
I'm not the most generous, sacrificial mom.
I'm not even close to being the mom I sometimes think everyone else is.
I AM MY KIDS' MOM.
And, they don't want me to be anyone else.
I can't watch the video because I know I will cry!
ReplyDeleteI was reading My Other Self, and it said something about how the children we have were chosen for us and we, as their parents, were chosen for them specifically. It made me feel so good that God made this decision and He doesn't make mistakes. I mean, I already "knew" it, but it was a much-needed reminder!
We are chosen for each other!! I really need to remember that - especially when I feel like I am not being a great mom for my kids. Thank you!
DeleteLove that video! Thanks for posting! It's so true.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that video - made me cry (and then I rubbed my eyes with hands that had just chopped onions for tonights soup - oops!!). Even knowing that all moms struggle sometimes it seems like everyone else has it all together all the time - nice to see the real emotions here.
ReplyDeleteOh, no!! I'm sorry about the onions! We are way to hard on ourselves, aren't we?
DeleteThis was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you Susan. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou got it, girl!
DeleteI needed that today too and my kids are all grown up. I questioned did I get it all done, are they prepared to face the world? Thanks for the reminder of who they think we are is what really matters.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I think when we let ourselves feel inadequate based on what we think others do or think, we can miss a lot of blessings in life, like a great friendship with that person.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I loved this post. These were words I needed to hear. On Nov. 1, the day after you posted it, I ended up including a link to it in a blog post I wrote about my late mother-in-law (http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-all-saints-day-and-happy-birthday.html). Just wanted to say thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, that video should come with a warning...and some tissues.
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