Once upon a time, there was a mom who loved her littles so much, it felt like her heart could explode. All morning long, they laughed and played and sang songs. By the time the littles rested, mom was so tired from all the playing, chores and meal making, she just wanted to rest and get some stress relief, and decided to do so by watching TV.

But then, the littles woke up grouchy. Homework had to get finished by the biggest little who didn’t want to cooperate. Not to mention, the Zoom meeting with the teachers. Everyone was hungry and whiny and mom was like the teapot who was all steamed up and about to shout…until she shouted. Loudly!

Everyone was stunned and shocked, no one dared to speak. Afterward, mom felt incredibly bad for the remainder of the evening. And for the days to come, she’d replay those images of her shouting and think about how bad she’d messed up. The end.

Oh, wait! That’s not a fairy tale! That’s the story of walking out daily mom life and the heaviness us moms carry when we mess-up. But, here’s the good news: Our story doesn’t have to include mindless “rest” that leaves us still in need of refueling and end with “mom losing her cool” and heavy mom guilt. Our mom story has the chance to be rewritten with a completely different ending.

Rewrite Our Mom Story

When I was potty training my oldest, I remember the frustration she felt when she wouldn’t quite make it to the potty. When those big crocodile tears, full of frustration, shame and discouragement, fell down her face, I would lean down, get eye to eye with her and say, “Oh, sweet girl, it’s ok. Accidents happen. Now let’s clean up this mess and you can try again next time.”

It was during one of those potty accidents, when I was in the middle of reassuring and encouraging, that I realized…this is exactly how my Heavenly Father sees me when I make a mommy mistake. When I am short on patience and my temper gets the best of me, He bends down beside me and whispers, “My girl, it’s going to be alright. You are going to make mistakes. Let’s clean up this mess and try again next time.”

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Psalm 23:1-2 (MSG)

As busy moms, it may feel like an extra bullet on the to-do list. It may feel like a chore. But, the truth is, Jesus is the only way and hope. God’s word and truth is what fills us up. Not TV, a good book or scrolling through the feed. When we allow His word, if only for a few minutes, to penetrate our hearts, we will be refilled, relieved, and redirected. So that when we do fall short of resting with Jesus and loving well, we can apologize in earnest humility to the ones we’ve hurt and try again next time.

Gosh, Mamas, doesn’t this help? Doesn’t it soften the blow of the missteps and mistakes? Doesn’t it encourage and spur you on to keep persevering? To let go of that dreaded mom guilt and live in the freedom God so freely gives? It sure does me.

If you find yourself in need of some rest and redirection straight from God’s word, Check out this post: 7 Scripture Based Prayers for the Frustrated Mom. Free printable guide is there for you as well!!

Meet Our Guest Blogger:

Tessa is a wife of eleven years, mom to three amazing little girls, a part time oncology nurse and most importantly, is a woman who loves Jesus. She enjoys running, hiking and generally just being outdoors.

She started This Place of Joy as a creative outlet, her own personal space as she learned to navigate the struggles of adjusting to life as a mom of three. It has grown into a place where she wants others to find joy and encouragement in the day to day routines of motherhood, as well as hear the truth and hope Jesus offers.

Connect with Tessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisplaceofjoy/

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