MOPS

Do you feel like a good mom? I bet you are a GREAT mom! It is easy to get hung up on what other mom's are doing that makes them better than you are. Since I am the master at this I thought I would take a moment to encourage you all as I have been encouraged. A few things have been brought to my attention lately, and I thought I might share. This might not sound like "news" to you, but comparing yourself to other moms is not fair. Here are some reasons why:

1. Every child is different, just as all humans are different. From birth, they are all different. I hated hearing that my friend's baby was sleeping 12 hours a night when she was 3 months old because it made me feel like I was doing something wrong since my child wasn't. This next statement is actually meant to be an encouragement: Some children are much more difficult than other children. Your child might be "spirited" while another child might be "shy". Call it whatever you want...the bottom line is this: You are not dealing with the same child as anyone else.

2. Every mom is different. Your personality is uniquely your own. You temperament is more or less intense than another persons, and your needs are different as well. Do you have a need to get out of the house? Did you know that some moms actually would prefer not to leave the house? :) God bless you if that is you. It just drives me nuts when I don't get out of the house. When I would talk to a mom who was happy to be in her cute little 3 bedroom ranch, feeling blessed as she was cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her children I would immediately go into negative personal dialogue. "I will never be that mom, but I should be!" I would beat myself up in my mind daily. Your personality is more or less conducive to being the mom that keeps the house in tip top shape while whistling a tune for the children to hear. While I struggle in one area, someone else is struggling in another area. What I want to tell you is this: Give yourself grace, and others as well. We've all been dealt a different hand, and we're all doing the best we know how with what we have been given.

3. Every circumstance is different. Do you stay at home, work outside, have an infant, have three children, have a husband who cleans, etc, etc. No family is going through all the same things. Your stress is not the same as another mom's stress. What you should hear is this: God will give YOU the strength YOU need for the unique situation YOU are in.

4. It will get better. (This is my favorite one) If this is not "the best time of your life" please know that it won't always be this way. Someday your children will be in 3rd grade! :) I happen to be someone who cannot get enough of grade school children, so this helps me. What helps you? Someday your children will.... (fill in the blank) Whatever it is, know this: If it doesn't seem all that great to you right now, it will get better.
Extra thought: My son woke up at 5:00 this morning and wanted to crawl into our bed. Our full size bed. ;) Problem is, he stretches himself out and there is no room for us. I suppose I had enough sleep by then because all I could think is "someday he's going to be a 12 year old that would not dare sleep in the same bed with his mother". I scooped him up and put him between me and his father. I think this would count as one of those "enjoy this time because it will pass" moments that moms of older children tell you about.

Isn't it good to go through motherhood together? It's nice to have each other. We have a lot to learn from one another. You are doing a GREAT JOB as a mother. Look at you! You do a lot. You should be proud of all you do for the good of your family. Your reward will come. God sees it all and knows it all. He does not compare you to the mom next door. He knows the completely unique place that you are in. KEEP IT UP! Final encouragement is this: You will be blessed for all your are doing now. (even if it is just to survive this day) Hang in there! Your blessings are coming.

Your turn: What is something you have heard that has been an encouragement to you as a mother? Take a moment to comment. It might encourage another mother at just the right time.