I see you in that stall, mama. Actually, I see your feet; tennis shoes to be precise. I see your toddler’s tiny feet dangling from that silver toilet, kicking and screaming that she doesn’t want to go potty here because the seat is silver, not white. I hear you calmly telling her that it’s just like all the other seats and that the silver is just as pretty as the white one at home. And I hear the panick in your voice. Then I see you go back and forth, in and out of that hot park bathroom 3 more times before you come out, the last time your toddler with new shorts on, sweat pouring from your forehead. Potty training is not for the faint of heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

Be patient with her as she is learning. Be an encourager even when it’s hard and her heart (and bladder) is stubborn. You got this.

And I see you, sweet mama. Squatting down over your big 9 month pregnant belly, trying to convince your 2 year old to get up off of the big Mickey Mouse pillow that’s laying in the middle of the isle in the store. But he screams and just wants to lay there for, “One more minute.” I see the frustration and embarrassment on your face. It’s so hard when they decide to have a mind of their own. And it’s so hard to know which battles to pick. And it’s even harder to take a stand and discipline in public.

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Take a deep breath and hold your ground, mama. His mind is made up, but so is your heart. Making him follow the rules now will help him choose to follow them in the next stage of life. And you will be so proud when you see his desire to obey grow from your perseverance in his little life.

And I see you, too, mama. The mama who is getting ready to raise her voice at her kids out of pure exhaustion and frustration. I see the tiredness in your eyes and the lump in your throat. You begin to loose your cool for a moment, but compose yourself, turn around and answer their millionth question of the day in patience.

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

I saw you in that moment, mama. In that moment before you turned around, you asked Him for words of love and a joyful attitude. And when you answered, your kids felt your attentiveness. And that made them feel important and valuable. You are so awesome!
 

I saw you at another park just the other day, mama friend. You were rocking being the ultimate multi-tasker, pushing your biggest little on the swing while you nursed your other under one of those hot, annoying covers. Your oldest was kicking and giggling with glee while your other was kicking and shrieking from being hot. But you kept going, mama, simultaneously bouncing, swaying AND pushing at the same time while you sang your baby a song to sooth her. You were the picture of strength.

Proverbs 31:17 “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”

Being a mom is physically exhausting. But you ARE strong, mama! God makes your body strong for the task of raising little souls. His strength in you is more than enough!

And oh mama, I saw you at the pool last week. Your kids went running into the water and you sat back in your chair. I saw you looking around, looking at all the other moms. I know that look, mama friend. You fidgeted in your bathing suit, kept looking down to make sure everything was covered and tucked in. But then I saw you do something else. I saw you get IN the pool. You splashed and laughed with your kids, you gave horsey rides and made memories. You looked so happy. And so did your kids.

1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Your babies didn’t see your rolls or stretch marks that day, friend. They are seeing and experiencing your time with them. They aren’t sizing you up against the other mamas. They are thinking that they have the most fun mama there. You are beautiful and fun!

And you… Mom friend, I see you. I feel your searching soul as you are reading these words. And you need to know that in this moment, you are NOT ALONE. There are so many others just like us, sitting on the floor of dressing rooms, calming tantrums in the middle of restaurants, quieting babies in churches, fighting sibling rivalry and praying on our knees for strength tonight. No, mama friend. You are not alone. And although I can’t physically see you, I know someone who can.

Christ sees ALL of you. He sees your struggles, hears your prayers and feels your weary heart….

And He is right there. Cling to Him in your moments of doubt, friend. Allow His presence to fill you in the days when you are empty. He will be more than enough for you today. In every circumstance. Even in the moments when the color of the potty chair is wrong, He cares about it all and His strength is enough.