This year I am taking part in a weekly collaborative photo project called 52 Saturday Mornings. You can see the entire group of images here.
So many thoughts raced through my mind as I watched her play in the sprinkler with her little sister. She is almost 11. This time is filled with so much change and transformation; both physically and emotionally. I think back to this time in my own life. I remember how often I compared myself with others. So much of me, wants to free her from the comparison thief that steals so much joy; yet, at almost 40, comparison still creeps into my life.
Tonight, I shared a few hours with six young ladies as we studied Jennie Allen’s Restless book. We were discussing the unique gifts God gives each of us and why so many people aren't using their gifts. Many people never use their gifts or quit using them because they are so tired of comparison. We ALL must stop doing this. God gave us each our own “marked race and equipped us to run it.”
We shared our own personal stories of comparison. Each story shared was filled with such emotion as we opened up raw places in our hearts.My wish for these young women, for all women, would be to free ourselves from comparison. I believe so many of us hold back support, love, and truth, because we spend time comparing and are too focused inwardly. Instead of giving our friends, our sisters, our mothers the encouragement or affirmation they may need, we hold back because of our own feelings of inadequacy. We need to believe in the gifts we have been given and appreciate the gifts we see in others.
Each one of us can look to our left or right and see someone doing something better or different than us. At some point, I am sure we have all done this. BUT, we each need to recognize our unique gifts and find a way to use them for the glory of God.
It's amazing the difference a day can make. Rainy and cool one day. Hot and Humid the next.
Our Florida weather can change drastically overnight.
Life is very much like this too. Some days can be hard, frustrating, and downright ugly. Give it some time. Some fresh perspective. And things can look totally different. This is something we all need to remember on those more challenging days.
Our youngest child is our most strong willed and our most vocal. I feel like some days we are living in a constant replay of correction. I realize this is part of her own journey as she learns what it means to obey and show respect. She is finding her own voice and who she is through it all.
Some days I feel completely frustrated, worn out, and defeated on this motherhood journey.
God isn’t using this time just to mold her; He is using this time to transform both of us. I lose my temper, I raise my voice, and I act without patience. Through my own feelings of defeat, I am humbly reminded of my never ending need of Him.
I am reminded of the undeserving grace He gives me as I extend grace to her. Furthermore, I am reminded of the unconditional love He has for me as my love continues to grow exponentially for her. Each day I am more and more aware of how He makes broken things beautiful. I will never be “mom enough” for any of my children on my own. Only, through Him, can I be the mother He has created for me to be.
And through His example, I am challenged to show her that love triumphs all. It triumphs our failures and shortcomings. It triumphs the days we mess up countless times. It triumphs our impatience, pride, and weary hearts. Yes, through His love and mercy we are each redeemed and that...that is enough.
No doubt, the days of motherhood can feel chaotic and messy at times. And then there are moments like this. The moments we can just be.
This is one image of a collaborative project called Wherever I am With You, involving a group of mothers who make it a priority to get in the frame with our children each month.
At the young age of five, you have a huge passion for painting your nails. I have given you the freedom to explore and learn to do this love of yours. You usually go sit in the grass outside with your polishes and paint your fingers or toes. It is pretty special to watch. I hope I never forget these details of you.