The Good Enough MomSýnishorn

Now that you are nearing the end of this devotional, I want to give you a mom mission. Find a piece of paper and write down all your strengths. Commit yourself to writing down all your strengths, abilities, special gifts and resources. Even ask your spouse, close friends and co-workers to contribute their thoughts. You can ask your kids; just make sure they know they can only say strengths because, as you know, kids have a great way of regularly pointing out our weaknesses, right?

Be determined to know and be thankful for your many, many strengths. By doing this, you are going to release more gratitude and joy in your own hearts and home. Celebrate all that is good about you.

The enemy of joy isn't necessarily bad circumstances, but rather the postponement of celebration until everything reaches an impossible standard of perfection. You will never have flawless character, the perfect home, or ideal children, so waiting to acknowledge and appreciate the really good aspects of your current reality means potentially never experiencing the gratitude and contentment your heart craves.

Your children need to witness a mother who can find reasons for gratitude even in imperfect circumstances. This modeling teaches them that joy doesn't depend on external conditions but flows from an internal choice to notice and appreciate God's goodness woven throughout ordinary days. A verse I recite nearly every day with my children is Psalm 118:24. Each day has been created by our Lord, therefore let us rejoice and be glad!

Reflection Question: What specific God-given strengths and blessings in your life and mothering deserve celebration and gratitude today?

Not So Perfect Mom

Start reading "Not So Perfect Mom" by Amy Rienow for free!

Visit: VisionaryFam.com/Mom

Also, check out this episode of Family Vision, a Podcast with Amy Rienow and her Daughter Lissy: Mom Q&A: Quality Time, Screen Boundaries & Spiritual Growth