Being a mom is hard. It can take everything out of you. You love them one minute, and the next you want to pull your hair out. Beautiful and exhausting all at once.
Motherhood has been one of best things for me, but in a way you might not realize. It has been the thing that has caused me to grow in my relationship with Jesus the most.
Becoming a mom for the first time was a huge shock to my system. No one could really prepare me for it, I just had to find my way.
Growth in my relationship with Jesus didn’t happen automatically. I struggled for years trying to be a mom on my own strength. I tried to read the Bible, pray, and go to a small group like I normally would. But I needed more than this.
I’m not sure when exactly I started, but at some point I tried to start doing daily life with Jesus. It has not been perfect, but I have been learning to live more intentionally remembering that Jesus is with me always. Whether talking out loud to him, or praying in my head, I make him part of my day. I tell him my frustrations with my kids, I ask him to help me, and I ask for wisdom when I don’t know what to do. Again, I am not a perfect mom, but I can definitely tell you that Jesus has NEVER let me down.
Jesus gives me the strength I need for parenting. He is there with me to celebrate in the best moments, and he is with me in my worst moments as a mom. He sees it all, and still loves me. I can go to him and tell him my frustrations, worries, and when I am angry. Jesus cares for my kids even more than I can imagine. He has helped me to learn to control my reactions and emotions, and see past my kids acting out, to know what is really going on. He is sufficient for me being a mom.
How has this all helped me grow?
It has created an intimacy with Jesus that I did not know before becoming a mom. I never knew how much I was going to need him. He sees past all my shortcomings as a mom, and loves me anyway.
The loneliness that comes with being a mom is no joke. It can feel like you are so alone in this season of life. But it’s not true. Jesus is with me. I can talk to him whenever I want to, about anything. He has given me the courage to step out and invest in friendships as well.
He watches over my family and hears my prayers. It’s normal to want to protect my kids, but I’m not always there to do that. But Jesus is. I have prayed many times asking for specific things for my kids. He is faithful every time, in his way.
Through every season of motherhood, he has been my constant source. He supplies what I need. He gives me wisdom. He helps me love my kids. Jesus is helping me raise them in my imperfect way by filling in the gaps where I lack. I look back now, and there is no way I could do this without him.
So to encourage all you moms out there, you can draw closer to Jesus too. It does take discipline to remember he is with us during the day. And I know it is hard to even think about adding something else to your plate, but it is so worth it. Just start little by little. One of the simplest things I have learned to do when I am at my witts end with my kids is just pray, “Jesus, help me.”
Motherhood has stretched and grown me in more ways than I even know. But I am so thankful it has forced me to lean on Jesus. I don’t know where I would be today without him. He is my everything. ❤️
My Life as Me 