Mom

Being a mom is one of the greatest blessings in my life.  It is also one of the most heart-wrenching challenges.  "Mom" is a huge part of who I am (if you ask my students, some of them would say I'm their "school mom"), but it is also my biggest insecurity.  I have the footsteps of amazing role models to follow...my mom and both of my grandmas, but not one of them is perfect.  (Sorry Mom!)  I don't know why I expect myself to have it all figured out!

 I see myself as fiercely loving, protecting, and encouraging.  (That's the view from the inside out, your perspective might be different!)  That part comes naturally to me most of the time...it's part of the person God made when He made me.  My goal as a mom is Proverbs 31:25-26.  "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." 

The Bible speaks of God as our loving Father, and I am grateful that earthly parents are tangible expressions of His love.  Moms are part of God's plan to love, teach, correct, guide, and care for us.  It is a hard job to be a mom.  I struggle to balance the need to correct and guide and teach my son with my deep desire to love him and make sure that he knows that I will ALWAYS love him.  I (and every other mom on this planet) am human, and I make mistakes every single day.  I need grace and I ask for forgiveness daily.  And I try to give grace and forgiveness freely. 

I have a lot to learn about being the mom God created me to be.  I'm grateful that I have a lifetime to keep working on it!