I’ve been thinking about this a lot as I’ve struggled over the last several years to find footing and balance in my “new norm.” I never anticipated being a full-time working mom, let alone a single mom dealing with my own trauma while helping my children navigate theirs.

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Being a mama is HARD WORK. Hands down the hardest work I will do in this life. It's not like a job. I don't have the option to call in sick or take a vacation. As a mama I show up EVERY. DAY.

One of my friends gave an amazing lesson at church. It’s based on the talk “Hearts Knit Together” by Gary E Stevenson.

It was her perspective on the talk that really touched me. While we should be compassionate and loving with others, she focused her lesson on being compassionate with ourselves, specifically as mothers and focusing on the big picture, rather than our day to day perceived failings.

God knew I needed to hear that message. I struggle with feeling like a good mom and worry if I do enough and do the right things for my girls. Single parenting (and co-parenting with an abusive narcissist) has not been easy. I worry about working too much and not being present in their lives. I worry if I’m providing enough faith, stability, and love to counteract what their dad does. My friend’s message, as well as sweet messages from other friends, were a tender mercy—God’s way of telling me that I am enough, that I’m doing all I can and need to for my girls.

So, remember Mamas (and Dads!), your children love you. You are meant to be *their* parent. It is amazing how pure and unconditional a child’s love is (whether they are your own or not). Your children see the good in you and forget your bad days.

So, I see you, mamas. I see your self-doubt, your exhaustion, your insecurities.

Take care of yourself and you will have a better, higher capacity to care for others. SHOW them you are worth it. SHOW them you are enough. In turn, THEY are too.

God would not have given you this responsibility if He didn’t know you could handle it.

Sending you light and love,