Confessions from a Mother: I Feel Completely Inadequate
“When I compare myself to the ’super-mom’ image of motherhood our culture presents - a mom who is able to work a full-time job, manage the house, and raise the kids and do it all with a smile - I feel completely inadequte.” Jan Cox, our Director of Childrens Ministry and mother of 3 boys, shares her unique insight into motherhood.
Listen online: Confessions from a Mother: I Feel Completely Inadequate
Sermon Notes
Is it really true that we are inadequate as mothers, or is it that we merely feel inadquate because we compare ourselves to an unrealistic standard?
Don’t try to be a perfect mom but instead aim to be a great mom by redefining what a successful mom really looks like.
1) A successful mom realizes that she cannot be everything to everyone at every moment.
- Learn the importance of saying “no” to some things.
- Martha nearly missed out on the chance to visit with Jesus because she was trying to do it all. Luke 10:38-42
- When we try to do everything, we end up resenting the people around us.
2) A successful mom realizes that she is not alone.
3) A successful mom recognizes that her self-esteem is not completely tied to her children.
- The things that drain you will happen whether you plan for them or not, but the things that fill you up will only happen if you schedule them.
- A successful mom takes the initiative to fill her own tank.
Next Steps
- Take some time to consider whether you need to say “no” to some less important things so you have the time and energy to do what’s most important.
- Stop doing motherhood on your own. Consider a Next Step Partnership like a small group or a prayer partnership.
- Make a list of the things that “fill your tank” and make time for them.
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May 15th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Jan, thanks for teaching this past Sunday.
Whether you’re a mom or not, it does take real intentionality to make sure we do the things that “fill our tank.” I would add that perhaps the most important “tank filler,” is to make sure we spend some time each day with God reading the Bible and praying. God can help us put the inevitable things that drain us into perspective and give us strength and attitude to navigate them in a good way.