Over the course of the last year of blogging for She’s Intentional, I’ve written several blogs encouraging moms to give themselves grace, especially when they’re raising small children.
It’s so easy for me to encourage other moms and tell them they aren’t bad moms—and genuinely mean it. But myself? Not so much. I’m still trying to practice what I’ve been “preaching,” to give myself grace in this season.
This past summer was an absolute whirlwind. Between revival services, conferences, sick kids, and moving out of our old trailer and into a new one, I’ve barely had time to breathe.
It was in our new trailer that I walked into the bathroom and saw them—four tiny fingerprints on the cabinet where my two-year-old had rested his chubby little hand for just a moment.
For the first time ever, my initial reaction was to smile (and grab my phone to snap a picture.)
Then my mother instincts kicked back in with, “Oh my word, I can’t believe my cabinets are that dusty!” So I grabbed a cloth and wiped them down.
But I was still proud of myself for my initial reaction! Retraining my brain is working! I was able to give myself grace!
I’m trying to retrain myself to try to soak in these little moments–when life seems to be flying by–and more days are chaotic than not.
To be okay with not having a spotless home.
To be okay with not being perfectly organized— even though I desperately want to be.
To realize that I’m not perfect, I don’t have it all together, and that’s okay too.
To be okay with giving myself grace for this season and every one that follows.
As Jesus said in II Corinthians 12:9, His grace is sufficient for us–especially in the moments when we’re weakest and struggling the most.
Mama, give yourself some grace today.
Take a breath and enjoy this season of life. Those babies won’t be small forever.
One day, you’ll be able to reclaim your sleep, your clean home, and hopefully, some of your sanity!
Until then, enjoy the fingerprints in the dust.