Thursday, May 5, 2011

My Messy Motherhood

Me with my boys when they were 8, 5 and 2
In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to spend a little time sharing a messy motherhood confession or two. It's sad but true, I've not only been involved in some messy marriage moments, but I've also made some huge motherhood messes as well.   
  • For starters, I've been too protective and even undermined my husband's authority on occasion. 
  • I've allowed my nerves to wear too thin and have yelled, even ranted, at my kids from time to time. 
  • I've expected them to do things my way when their way could work just as well, if not better. 
  • I've allowed my anger at my hubby to bleed over into my reactions with my boys. 
  • I've not been there for my boys at times when they needed me. 
  • I've overreacted to their mistakes and probably have been unfair in disciplining them at times. 
  • I've let them get away with things when I should've held their feet to the fire.
Now, like most good mother's do, I struggle with guilt over these things and more. Even though that struggle might not ever go away, I try on a daily basis to turn those messes over to God.

And as I lay them at His feet, I find that He is able to transform my heart and redeem the messes I've made. In fact, I'm not so sure I'd need God if I was a perfect parent. So, do I dare say it? Let me just say it this way, . . . 

His power is made perfect in my weakness. "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, . . ."

"For when I am weak, then I am strong!"
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

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Posted by Beth at 8:15 AM
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9 comments:

  1. Thanks Beth, for being real about the things we all struggle with - the mess. And its so right that it is God's mercy and grace that redeems this. I need God too.
    Bless you.
    Kath

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  2. I love reading raw, real and authentic words! This post makes me want to come back over and over again. Oh the mess that lay within my own mothering, my own story! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your imperfections here. It's so refreshing to feel a part of the global club of people who fall short of our mark! :)

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  4. Thanks to all of you for stopping by and identifying with my frailty. It's good to know you're not alone--and that we have a BIG God who can clean up our messes!

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  5. this is so encouraging. i really needed to hear it today, friend. i'm so glad you linked up with imperfect prose, and hope you'll keep sharing your insights with us. blessings. e.

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  6. Bravo!!!! This seems to be a theme in what I'm reading today, getting to know and need Him more in the mess.

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  7. Beth, I'm chiming here with all my sisters. ;) I am so encouraged by your honest words. And that verse - it hits the spot. I'm so glad you placed this in the jam last week. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, friend!

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  8. Bravo!!!! This seems to be a theme in what I'm reading today, getting to know and need Him more in the mess.

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  9. I love reading raw, real and authentic words! This post makes me want to come back over and over again. Oh the mess that lay within my own mothering, my own story! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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