Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: I'm tired of being a mom.

Encouraging Truth: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
          you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Loving Instruction: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own
          understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, . . . " - Proverbs 3:5, 6a

Our Reward: ". . . and he shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:6b

As a mom, I feel ashamed of even admitting that I'm tired of being a mom. Please don't get me wrong. I love my 'job'. I love giving my baby a bottle, kissing away boo-boos, reading books, and doing puzzles. I love being a mom. I really do. But every so often, like today, I'm tired. I'm tired of disciplining toddlers, tired of having to clean up from lunch just to start dinner, tired of listening to kids crying in their beds while they fight sleep, tired of going from entertainer to comforter to instructor to housekeeper. I'm tired of being needed.

I guess part of my problem is that I'm selfish. I would like to be rested. I would like to feel pretty and thin. I would like to be able to make friends at our church that we've been attending for over a year. I would like to be able to talk to friends I already have. I would like to not have anyone need me. But that's not my truth. My truth is that I'm a mom. A mom to three kids under two and a half years old. These children which God has graciously placed in my care are so dear to my heart. I don't think it's wrong to be tired. We are mortal beings, made from dust. But God isn't made from dust, nor is he mortal. He can give me rest and direct my paths, guiding me through this slightly hectic time in my life.

Dear God, I trust you. I know I can't do this on my own. I don't even know how I'll make it through tomorrow. But I know that you are who you say you are. I know you will give me rest. You will guide me. I praise your Holy name.