On my heart: mothering.

*I know it's been  f o r e v e r  since I've written here. Life does that, I guess. If you want more up-to-date happenings on life, follow me on instagram here (@amydavis356). :) :)

I've had more than one person say to me in the last week alone something to the effect that I'm "the best parent ever", or their "parenting role model". And to be quite honest, even though I'd like to gloat and take some glory, it's really SO very much NOT about me. 

You see, I'm about the second most impatient person that I know. For real. 

I'm hot-headed, and sometimes I inappropriately display my anger in ways that should not be displayed in front of children (or really at all). 

I am an introvert and recharge by being by myself, which doesn't always mix well with being a stay-at-home mom, especially when the aforementioned children don't nap or don't nap well.

I could go on and on about all the reasons why I make an unfit mother. But the bottom line is this:

I am a work-in-progress, continually being changed and shaped by none other than my LORD Jesus Christ. 

When I am patient, it's because of HIM.

When I curb my anger and express love instead of hate, it's because of HIM.

When I'm able to rise above myself and my wants and play with my children when all I want to do is run in my room and be alone, it's because of HIM. 

I'm hoping that you're catching my drift.

So while I appreciate the "you're an awesome mom" comments (really, it's very encouraging), I just have to be sure that it's made known that I am only that mom because of who Jesus is in my life. 

I never want to give the allusion that I have it all together or that this whole parenting thing is easy for me. I want other moms out there who may be struggling to know that there is hope, and His name is JESUS.

Just this morning, it was barely 9am and I was in tears, wondering how in the world I was going to make it through the long day ahead. I fully recognize the raging pregnancy hormones that for sure take all things to the next level, haha, but still. 

My mind turned to this passage in Isaiah:

Do you not know? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the weary,and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.*Isaiah 40:28-31*

And ya know what was right on that exact same page? 

He tends his flock like a shepherd:He gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart;he gently leads those that have young.*Isaiah 40:11*

Such balm to my soul. Such refreshment. 

I am so thankful that He cares. That He loves my babies more than I do and that He has designed ME to be their mother.