My first year as a mom has taught me many things (one day I may blog about them all) but the underlying theme of them all is that “God’s Grace is Sufficient”. At times I can feel as though everyone else is deserving of God’s grace but me. I’m quick to encourage someone else but can feel as though I should know better.
Do you ever feel like that?
Being a mom has exposed this in my life at a whole ‘nother level. Parenting is something that can only be done with the help of the Lord. I lean on Him for direction in every aspect of raising my son because if I didn’t, I’m convinced I would go crazy and worry would consume me and render me completely useless.
In times where I feel overwhelmed and like I have no answers for the the questions I face I find comfort in these words…
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Not only is His grace sufficient but God isn’t keeping score. He’s not sitting up in Heaven making a list of all the wrongs that we have made. He doesn’t delight in our faults but waits eagerly for us to turn to him for help. Patiently He waits for us to release it all over to Him and in return He provides direction, encouragement and hope.
This week one of my favorite artists, Francesca Battistelli released a new album entitled ” If We’re Honest”. I listened to it today and instantly connected with the song, “Keeping Score”. Here are some of the lyrics…
Your heart’s filled with regrets/ You try but you can’t forget / Can grace cover things like this / Well, it already did // CHORUS: I know you’re thinking that you’ve finally gone too far / And you’re certain He’ll be closing the door / But you’ve gotta believe the things you’ve done aren’t beyond His love /He’s not keeping score… If His love is big enough to move any mountain / His love is big enough for you, just accept it
Can you relate? Today I give you permission to give yourself a break…you don’t have to have it all figured out and you don’t have to strive for perfection. Trust in the God who can move the mountains and release your cares to Him. He’s not keeping score and “His arms aren’t too short to save nor His ears to dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1)”.
Illuminated Salt 
How we need to be reminded of the sufficiency of God’s grace! So often we, as parents, try to do everything in our own strength. It is His mercy to allow us to fall, so that He can pick us back up. Great post! 🙂
Reblogged this on Mommyhood by Sandra and commented:
This is a beautiful post from Illuminated Salt – Mommyhood entails many difficult but beautiful moments and challenges and tests you as a person in the most loving kind of way and it feels amazing to have God by your side, accepting your mistakes and pushing you to be better.
Awesome!!!
Arial. I don’t really read many blogs at all; but I can say that I really enjoy your blog. It is refreshing to me. Today’s entry is so relevant to my life. Sometimes its hard to give myself the grace to let the Lord’s grace be sufficient in parenting a young child (especially since this is the first go around). Thank you for your transparency and keep doing what you are doing!! (BTW I’m excited about The Bridge Church!!!)
Thanks for reading and for commenting. I really dont read a lot of blogs either (short attention span) so I know what you mean. I think that parenting reveals so much about our inner character and quirks and requires total dependance on God. None of us have it all together all the time and thats okay! I’m glad that God is there to fill in where we come up short.
This is a lovely post! I’ve definitely felt this way. Mommyhood is a bunch of trial and errors and difficult but beautiful moments. It definitely challenges and tests you as a person in the most loving kind of way and it feels amazing to have God by your side, accepting your mistakes and pushing you to be better.
Sandra thanks for following and commenting. I checked out your blog too. You’ve been in the mommy game for a longer than me. Looks like the road ahead is filled with more uncertanties and contradictions so I’m going to need all the grace I can get!