Mothers Live in the Space Between

Originally posted May 9, 2013.

Being a mother is not all gorgeous kids clad in white eyelet perfection, neatly combed hair, or drinking a hot cup of coffee in a beautifully appointed kitchen while sweet children quietly converse about science and art over their fruit-laden oatmeal.

Nor is it all midnight vomiting, kicking and screaming, exasperation, annoyance, or desperation.

No, motherhood lies in the space between our idealistic fantasies and our common complaints. In the land where the wonderful things about our kids run head on into the realities of raising them in a fallen world. In the spot where we imperfect people try to direct and shape and guide imperfect people. In the realm of kids are awesome, but kids are a whole lot of trouble. Where parenting is beautiful and messy.

Motherhood lives in the land of God’s grace. In His arms, in fact. Where it is okay to admit that you yelled when you meant to reason, and that you really don’t feel up to the task today. Where when we are weak and just about at the end of that rope we’ve been desperately clinging to, He gives us a taste of the wonderful things about our children that fill us up and help us tighten our grip.

Somewhere between the vomiting (which does happen) and picture perfect (which does happen), is the everyday, the beauty in small victories, the expansion of God’s goodness and grace in our imperfect lives, and moms who are doing the best we can, even when it sometimes seems like our best is not that great. Not every day will be about perfect nutrition and college prep for preschoolers. But, every day of your life matters, whether you believe it or not.

Love to all of the women who live in that small space between the best and the worst, knowing that most days you will get a taste of both. Rest in His arms.