Most days, if you and I had a camera in our home, for all the world to see, we wouldn’t win any awards. Most likely we’d be ashamed for some things we’ve said and done.
Angry outbursts.
Selfish motives.
Hurtful tones.
Pain-seared faces.
Crushed spirits.
Maybe you feel guilty, thinking others have this mothering thing down so much better than YOU do.
But remember, none of us are perfect, and we all come up short.
You are changed forever when you hold that first little bundle of joy in your arms. They hull over your body and reshape and form it like colorful children’s dough. What was once high, now hangs a bit lower, with each beautiful gift.
But these little ones not only take a toll on our physical bodies, they reshape and form our heart in new and amazing ways. They have a way of making it grow and stretch, like those unforgiving lines on our tummy. All the cocoa butter in the world could never have prepared us for the work they did on our heart.
They force us to be selfless and our pride is left on that delivery room bed. We are left bare and raw and open and our souls could never prepare for the work that motherhood brings.
But oh, the gift that keeps on giving… the unconditional love that fills our heart for those little, beautiful creatures.
So leave the shame at the door, dear Mama. You are doing a wonderful job. It’s a work in progress, each day. We are shaping little hearts and lives to face a cruel and dark work.
May we give them kindness when the world offers harshness.
May we give them a patient and listing ear, when the world wants to shut them out.
May we show them Christ, when the world encourages them to lift up self.
May we selflessly love our spouse, when the world portrays that love leaves when life gets hard.
May we pull our kids in close and hug them, when the world wants to shake them and shame them.
So press on, dear Mama . . . don’t give up. You are doing an amazing work! You are being reshaped daily, for the greater good.
Traci Little
Traci is a curly-headed dreamer who loves her Savior, adores her best friend called Hubby, and her three children! She never knew how much she would love being at home full time with her kids, but she does (most days)! What a privilege and high calling! She loves to blog, take pictures, cook, decorate cakes, and make her home cozy and inviting! She also enjoys teaching women God’s Word through Bible studies at church and online devotions. It is her desire to glorify God through encouraging and edifying other women. It is her heart’s cry to motivate women to abide in Christ, respect their spouse, and raise their little ones to know the love of Jesus. God’s grace captivates her in such a way that she wants her life to make a difference for His glory.
