In September of 2012, I moved my writing home to a new space titled Fostering Love at Home. I'd love for you to join me there!
In addition to the 30 Lessons I’ve already shared, I’ve got five more lessons that I feel compelled to share with you. These have been the hard lessons to learn…
1. I am more selfish than I ever realized. Being a mother means setting aside my own desires for the well being and benefit of little lives that need me. It is hard. I am selfish.
2. I am the chief of sinners. The past few days have. been. terrible. My heart and attitude were ugly. My voice was loud. My temper was short. I had to seek forgiveness from my children, and my husband, more times than I can count.
3. I need Jesus every moment of every day. This mothering thing, it is a difficult job. It takes every bit of me every hour of the day. I am more tired than I ever have been. I cannot rely on myself and my own strength. I must rely more on Jesus than I ever have before.
4. Being content is hard, no matter the season. It is not based on my circumstances, but yet on my heart attitude. This has been a struggle for me my entire adult life. My struggle with discontentment didn’t go away since I have children. It is always something. If only we were done “fostering.” If only we can become a permanent family. I must not base my contentment on my life today.
5. I cannot be everything to everyone. I am a people pleaser by nature. This one is so hard. I try to be everything for everyone and then I burn myself out. I simply cannot do everything I want to do or everything everyone else wants me to do.
I am no where near perfect and this journey is great on some days and a struggle on others. However, I firmly believe that I am doing exactly what the Lord has planned for me.
I have the same 5…..
hi ashley. if it is any comfort to you, i found i learned the same things about myself that you have…and i had my kids one at a time! i’m sure you have just had to learn it in spades! i remember thinking i would never ever sleep thro’ a nite again.ever! but i did:) sooner than i expected.
i had a miscarriage and stillbirth b/f our first daughter was born. i was going to be “perfect mom”. it didn’t happen that way. i think i was a good mom, but “perfect mom” doesn’t exist. neither does “perfect child”. when we realize that, we can learn to forgive. doesn’t mean there isn’t sin, failure and punishment, but there is also grace and forgiveness and mercy too.
blessings and prayers for you as you live this incredible journey GOD has mapped out for you and your husband. so glad He has given you your heart’s desire and know you will make a great mom to these children who need your love:)