To the Imperfectly Perfect Mom: Embracing the Journey of Motherhood

Hey there, Prayer Closet Warrior! Are you ready for another dose of uplifting inspiration? Get ready for another encouraging read that will uplift your spirit!

I vividly recall the first time I lost my temper and yelled at Jiraiya. It was during his bedtime routine while I was giving him a bath. Despite repeatedly asking him to stop touching things and sit down in the tub, he simply wouldn't listen. Frustrated, I ended up yelling, "STOP IT RIGHT NOW AND SIT DOWN" at the top of my lungs. The immediate reaction on his face broke my heart—his eyes filled with tears, and he began to cry.

I was so mad at myself. How could I have done that to him? He was just a one-year-old who couldn't possibly comprehend what I was saying. How could I be so insensitive? It was bath time, and he was simply enjoying the water. He had no idea that mommy was exhausted and overwhelmed.

Growing up in a household where yelling was the norm, I witnessed communication turning into shouting matches because nobody knew how to effectively express themselves. And now, there I was, repeating the same behavior that I swore I would NEVER engage in.

Guilt and shame consumed my thoughts, and I was about to award myself the title of "worst mom." But then, God spoke to me. He said, "Tasha, you're not perfect. You had a moment, and that's okay. It doesn't make you a bad mom. Give yourself grace and be kind to yourself."

After praying with JJ, giving him a hug and kiss goodnight, I spent some time in the presence of God. He revealed to me the unrealistic expectations I had set for myself as a mother. Outwardly, I would admit, "I know I'm not perfect," but deep down, I craved flawlessness. I longed to be that mom I saw on TV who seemed to have everything together. But the truth is, that mom doesn't exist. If I had continued comparing myself to her, I would have stumbled and fallen hard.

I had to grant myself forgiveness and press on, recognizing that these slip-ups occur and I can't dwell on them indefinitely. Yes, I shed tears like a baby because I felt really bad. But you know what? That very same baby I yelled at, the one with a heart-wrenching expression, woke up the next morning with a radiant smile, showering me with love. God had already forgiven me, JJ had already forgiven me, and it was time for me to forgive myself as well.

No matter how patient we strive to be, sometimes our patience wears thin. We reach our breaking point and can end up saying things we later regret if we don't take a moment to think before responding.

And here's something you may not know—having patience with our kids is more about us than it is about them.

Today, I have a vibrant and thriving two-year-old who still tests my patience from time to time. And let me interrupt your thoughts before they arise. Just so you know, the notion of the "terrible twos" doesn't hold true in our household. The Lord swiftly corrected me on that. He spoke directly to me, saying, "Natasha, NOTHING that I create is terrible. Jiraiya is going through a transition.” He said what he said.

Thanks to God, I've learned to control my emotions and reactions to the environment around me much better. Parenting is a journey that I still have many years ahead of me. I've come to realize that it's impossible to be perfect all the time. So, I'm learning to let go of that expectation and embrace parenting in God's way.

To all the moms out there who are desiring to improve, I want to encourage you to ask God what "better" truly means. Seek His guidance on how He wants you to show up as a mother. It's all too easy to get caught up in the trap of comparison, aligning ourselves with societal expectations. But remember, God understands your unique needs and those of your child. Allow Him to speak into your situation. My prayer is that this message brings you encouragement and blessings on your journey.