I’ve been a working mom and I’ve been a stay-at-home mom, and I’m here to share the truth: They are both really hard. 

As a working mom, I felt like I was constantly missing out . . .

On milestones, school events, and time with my kids.

I felt constantly overwhelmed . . . 

Trying to juggle all the roles I played both at work and at home, trying to be everything for everyone all the time. 

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I felt constantly guilty . . .

Leaving my kids every morning, not being there when they were sick, not spending enough time with them.  

I felt like I constantly fell short . . .

Lacking the strength or energy to be 100% at work and home and feeling like I was always dropping the ball somewhere or disappointing someone. 

As a stay at home mom, I felt like I was constantly missing out . . . 

On accomplishing my dreams and using my talent and education, living instead in a world of dirty diapers and dishes.

I felt constantly overwhelmed . . . 

Touched out, talked out, and physically drained.

I felt constantly guilty . . .  

For not contributing money to the family, for never having everything under control, and because the constant care I was giving my kids was draining the life out of me and that I wanted a break from my kids sometimes. 

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I felt like I constantly fell short . . . 

It was my job to stay home, yet I couldn’t even manage to keep our fridge stocked regularly, or stay on top of laundry and dishes, or always have fun activities or crafts planned. 

Motherhood can make you feel like you’re missing out. It can make you feel guilty. It can make you feel overwhelmed. It can make you feel like a failure. 

But God called us to the role we are in, in the place we are in. And He doesn’t make mistakes. He will strengthen us to be all that we need to be, and in all our weaknesses and shortcomings, His grace will fill in the gaps. 

The grass may seem greener on the other side of motherhood, but whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, it’s all its own kind of hard. But with God’s help, we can bloom where He’s planted us whether we find ourselves working inside the home or out.