Her arms swung around me, clutching my neck. Leaning in close, almost nose to nose she declared, “You’re the best mommy in the whole world!” My heart melted like it usually does when she makes such statements. What mom doesn’t love to hear her child declare such love?! I breathed a deep sigh and whispered, “Mom loves you sooooo much!” “Me love you too.” she hoarsely whispered back.

I have these exchanges quite often with my children. But this particular time, I had something else going on inside of me as my daughter was so boldly declaring her devotion. What she didn’t know is that deep down I wasn’t feeling like “the best mommy in the whole world.” This mom, thankful for her daughter’s words, felt like a mess. After a very stressful season in my life, I had let the nagging voices of doubt fill my head and began to question whether or not I was a good mom at all.

I was tired.

I was feeling worn out.

I was struggling to keep up and keep it all together.

Most days, as soon as I took the last sip of my morning coffee, I was longing for bedtime. I was fully aware that I needed to make a change.

That change needed to begin with ME.

There is a verse that God had woven throughout my life right from when I first became a Christian as a teenager.

“He must become greater, I must become less.” (John 3:30)

I had come to understand back then that I needed to follow HIM...not myself. And I need to follow Him with everything. It was a daily battle to surrender my will to His. To spend time with Him. Now, many years later as a mom, it really is no different.

All of life is a daily, step-by-step surrender to the One, who orders and owns our steps.

God has given us each a unique story and purpose to live out. As moms, a huge part of our stories are the lives that we pour into every single day at home. And I know sometimes it is hard. And exhausting. And chaotic trying to keep up with it all. We all need that time to step back. Take a breath. Spend time daily with Him. Whether it is first thing in the morning at home, on your lunch break at work, or in the carpool line at school, just a few minutes each day can help you center your heart and mind on what God has for you as His beloved daughter.

Many blessings,

Ruth

Find freedom from mom-guilt, the myth of perfection, and the endless to-do list of motherhood with The Better Mom Devotional. One hundred devotions will encourage and inspire you with Scripture, reflection questions, and journaling space to jot down your thoughts and prayers. Each devotion, filled with Bible teaching, personal stories, and application, will help you open your heart to experience more of God’s love, truth, and grace.

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