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It was a normal morning in the Whitaker household. Amanda fussed while I combed her hair. Stevie was dawdling instead of getting ready for school, and Caleb was just being a normal baby. I was snapping at everyone and hurrying them out the door. I ensured everyone was securely buckled in, put the car in reverse, and slammed into the garage door. In all of my hurrying, I had forgotten to put the garage door up, and now it had a car-sized dent in it.
It was a very quiet ride to school after I got the door up, and we headed out. I had to tell Steve what he would see when he got home that evening. I was embarrassed at my lack of attention, resulting in aggravation and added cost.
Moms face a lot of pressure today. Social media highlights perfectly curated posts of “professional moms.” Family members share unsolicited advice. But, mostly, moms face pressure from themselves.
None of us live up to our own expectations in any part of our life, let alone in the most important role of all, rearing and molding the next generation. So many days, my bedtime prayer was for my children to forget every moment of that particular day!
The Gospels tell us of a little boy who had meager supplies, but he offered them up to Jesus. In the hands of Jesus, meager became multiplied into surplus. God, in His graciousness, knew my heart was to see my children live for Him. And just like He did for the boy who offered his all, God multiplied my feeble efforts. All praise to Him, our three children love Jesus and serve Him today with their various gifts and talents.
Those days are in my rearview mirror now. I see times I overreacted and times I should have acted. I see my failures more easily than my successes. I also see growth and mercy, thanks to God’s faithfulness. This Mother’s Day, remember that we all have dented garage doors in some way or another. Let’s give our mothering and those we mother to Jesus. He makes all the difference!
Tricia Whitaker
Connect with us for prayer or encouragement by sending an email to firstword@thefirstacademy.org
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