Mom Heart Moments #159

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

AS GODLY MOTHERS, we strive to make the best possible decisions, set the perfect boundaries, and uphold the correct rules, which we believe will somehow cultivate spiritual children. However, there is a mysterious process by which the Holy Spirit leads our children to see their need for Christ even as we seek to cultivate their hearts.

We put so much pressure on ourselves as mothers. Each time we find ourselves too busy to cook, too exhausted to clean, or so hectic in our lives that we didn’t do a devotional with our children one week, we feel defeated and believe that we failed.

Often, I receive comments or letters from mamas who say, “How did you seek joy? How did you manage to live by faith?” Then they will tell me about their very difficult circumstances or exhaustion or loss of job or marriage problem. The truth is, the grace of God is given in spite of our circumstances. His peace comes when our difficulties would suggest otherwise.

While it is wonderful to set our standards high and live within these great ideals, we must hold ourselves to a standard of grace, not perfection. We won’t be able to have grace for our children if we do not have grace for ourselves. In my home, we did our best, but our best was certainly not perfection. We just committed our hearts toward our kids with a desire to shape their souls to respond passionately to their Creator. He came with grace and truth to bring life and wholeness into our hearts.

Are there any ways in your life as a mom that you are trying to live up to the false expectations of others, rather than walking by the Spirit?