Ever since the The Celebrate Motherhood Retreat that Natalie and I hosted a few weeks ago in Charlotte, my brain has been running wild with all the things I want to share with you guys in regards to being a mom, loving Jesus, and knowing that it’s ok to fail.
I mean, I HAVE SO MUCH IN MY HEAD about all of it. And not because I have it all figured out or I finally have the right answers on how to be the perfect mom…but because I want you to know that I am here…with you…in the thick of it.
Trying to do my best and making mistakes as I go.
The things that I heard and learned that day were things that have not left my mind. The words spoken that day stuck like glue.
They were probably words I had heard a time or two before, but for some reason, that day they made a difference in my life.
One of my favorite take aways came when Jess Connolly was on stage and said this:
“I’m encouraged to take myself out of the running. Out of the running for mom of the year… For best homeschool teacher… For the mom who cooks all organic… heck, for the mom who always cooks! Balance, margin and learning what I do well and what I don’t do well. Making peace with it. Living MY purpose and keeping my focus on Him.”
Y’all, isn’t that freeing?
To know that you don’t need to put yourself in a race for mom of the year.
That it’s not a “Let’s see who can climb to the top first…” kind of mentality you need to live in.
That you, without a doubt, can still be a fantastic mom even if you aren’t good at everything.
Your purpose isn’t even to be the best mom on the planet. Or the best homeschool teacher. Or the best cook. <— thank goodness
God doesn’t see your mistakes as failures.
He sees your heart. And He rejoices when He notices that YOUR purpose for life aligns with His.
So let’s all start our week off by agreeing to take ourselves out of the race for mom of the year.
Let’s realize that our focus shouldn’t be on how to balance it all and do it with perfection, but to love Jesus first and thank Him for the things He did gift us in.
I’m ready to stop chasing the gold medal for “best mom” on the planet.
And I’m ready to start living in the truth that it’s ok to be an imperfect mother.
I’m doing my best and that’s worth more than any race I could win. Who’s with me?
Girl, YES.
Yes and amen to ALLLL of this.
Love Jess, love you, and most of all love the freedom the Lord brings into our lives.
Literally JUST posted something so similar today. XO
I love how we are all being taught and learning the same lessons together! Thanks for sharing Laura!
Thank you for this awesome reminder! It is so hard to not allow myself to be sucked into the race when so much perfection is portrayed on social media. It is hard for me to remember that I do not get on fb or Instagram to compete. I get on to be inspired and uplifted. This post did that for me. Thanks!
Maria,
Thanks so much for sharing! And it is HARD. Super hard to keep our minds focused on not being the best mom or keeping up with what others are posting on social media.
I LOVE this post !!! Thanks for sharing :)Your honestly and peak into your NOT so perfect life is refreshing ! That’s why I like to stop by and read your blog.
Thank you so much Tammy!
This is wonderful, and something that so many moms need to hear. It’s not a competition or a race between moms. It’s about doing the best you can on any given day and being compassionate towards others and yourself! Thanks for the reminder!
YES! Love this so much.
Hi how are you? Just wanted to say I love your blog you inspire so many moms. When are y’all doing another event in Charlotte?