I follow Stephanie (who writes so engagingly at Adventures in Babywearing) on Twitter. Tonight she linked to her post at Close to Home and I clicked over because I really don't need any more sleep. She took up a challenge from Heather at The Extraordinary Ordinary to write about what she's doing right as a mother. After reading Heather's original post and then reading the comments generated by that post, I determined that I would participate. I need to think about what I'm doing well as a mom. I really need to think about it right now. Today. This minute.
My first inclination is to say, "Well, I do have these couple of things that I probably suck less at..." I realize that defeats the purpose of the exercise and is not an encouragement to me or anyone else. So now, stream-of-semi-consciousness, I will simply list the things that I do well as I mother the 5 children God has seen fit to entrust to my care. My hope is that you will read this list and see some of the things that you do well and that will get you thinking about other things you're good at, and perhaps even rock at, and your head will be lifted. I don't know about you, but it's past time for me to look up and get a little perspective.
Here's the list:
I make my kids laugh
I love their daddy, and I let them know it
I tell them when I've messed up and ask their forgiveness
I read the Scriptures to them
I pray for them
I'm consistent in discipline
I don't yell
I make a priority of helping them grow their relationships with each other
I praise them sincerely
I've been told that I am a good mother, to which I generally respond, "I just try to be good enough." I realize now that that is a terrible response. When my mother or husband or friend tells me they think I'm doing a good job, I will thank them sincerely and acknowledge that it is by the grace of God that I am able to do anything well at all. To Him alone be the glory.
I'd love to read your list of what you do well as a mother. Leave a comment here and a link at Heather's place if you decide to play along.
That is a great list, and you're right - we shouldn't shrug it off ever, but claim it and own it. We *are* good moms.
ReplyDeleteSteph
Such a great list! I know it's hard to toot your own horn, but it sure is good for a mom :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for making your list.
Peace and nice to "meet" you,
Heather
Yes, and if we who choose to stay home and raise our little blessings given to us from God. . . that too is a "thing we are doing right!" I would never have traded a moment of my years of raising my children every single day myself :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sher
That is a great list - and definitely something to be proud of! : )
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Hey! I was reading along at Days to Come, and I'm so glad to find that you're blogging. You are "the artist formerly known as Clementine," aren't you?! :) I think I remember you from Behind the Blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to keeping up with you. And, mercy, I'd follow you on Twitter, but I still don't quite "get it." It makes me nervous... Plus, I kind of forget about it.
Anyway, I love what I've read so far! And your baby boy is precious! The picture? Priceless!
Wow. I ambled over somehow- not sure I could retrace my steps. This is a good post.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that I am crazy about the kids' daddy, and they know it.
Even though we have made mistakes, we are not above stopping in mid stream and turning around- kinda like turning the Titanic: It may be hard, but it can be done.
I treat each of them as an individual and give each of them what is thier particular best.
I brag on them when I think they can hear me.
I pray for them- and about them.
I, too, relized recently that "Well, I try." is a lame answer and have discovered that a simple thank you and a warm smile are all that is really needed.