For the Mom Who Needs a Break
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. The verse is from John 3:30, “He must become greater, I must become less.” 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. Press pause. 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. Really, that is why Pressing Pause is something I feel so passionate about. I know how much I need it, and I'm guessing that you do too.
Today I am so so thrilled that my devotional, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet With Jesus, with my good friend Karen Ehman is available wherever books are sold, but I don't want just to tell you about it. I want you to join me as we invite other moms to press pause as well. I'm 99.9% sure that you know at least one mom (besides yourself) who could use a bit of a break right now. Join me and tell her about it or better yet, if you have the means to do so, grab her a copy too. I am praying God uses Pressing Pause to help moms dig deep and discover the hope and help that comes only from Him.
These 100 encouraging devotions for moms will help you begin each day with scripture, drawing on God's power, ingesting His Word, and learning practical ways to love and serve more like His son.
And oh my word...this book.. it is BEAUTIFUL. Hardcover. Journaling space after each devotion. Silky little bookmark to keep your place (LOVE it!). Just gorgeous.
Pressing Pause is available here:
I pray Pressing Pause is a blessing not only to you, but to your family as you take that much needed time to yourself to refuel so the best of who you are can pour out to them.
Many blessings my friend,
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