Hello, tired mother. I see you there. If I could sit with you over coffee or tea or wine, I’d lean in and listen to you talk about your kids. I’d see the look in your eyes as you list all the ways in which you think you need to do better. I’d tear up as you talk about how your life has changed . . . how you have changed. I’d hope I would cheer you on in your successes and remind you of who you are when you think you’ve failed. 

If I could, I’d take your hand and we’d throw expectations and should-bes and must-dos to the wind and listen to the whisper of the One who speaks truth. You may need a reminder that with the Lord on your side, you are not defined by your exhaustion level, by what you say about yourself or by what others judge you to be.

Deep down you are still that young girl, bursting with life and enthusiasm and energy. That girl is not lost, my friend. Even though you may not feel it, you bring her with you as you care for your children. 

Let me tell you what I see.

You are an earth-shaker. You are in the trenches, a warrior for love.

You are a boo-boo kisser, a wise-vested teacher, entrepreneur, life coach to littles, an example-maker.