Dear Moms;

The school year begins, I find myself looking back on my (ahem..) more youthful years when I had younger kids.  As I reflect on the things I know I've gotten right, the things I could have done better, and the times I fell flat on my face as a mother - I find myself thinking about how I so often felt as if the whole world (especially other mothers) were looking at me and scoring me as a mom.  And how,even though my kids are grown and mostly grown, and one even has a little one of her own - I still feel this way.

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

And I wonder:  How much was real and how much was me projecting my own doubts and insecurities onto others?  How much was me judging myself and thinking others must be doing the same?

As my thoughts chase that rabbit, they bring me to a realization.  One I wish I had come to many years ago.  And one I want to share with all of you - especially the ones just starting this journey we call motherhood.

If we are going to be the best mothers we are capable of being...

We have to stop judging ourselves - and other moms in the process!

We need to stop worrying about whether we're better than Mom A or not doing as well as Mom B.

We need to have the courage to be willing to proudly say when we have nailed it  AND to ask for help when we are barely keeping our head above water.

We need to stop the comparison game and focus on teaching and loving our kids to the best of our own individual ability.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

The Dwelling Tree: Let's Be Friends
Cornerstone Confessions: Titus 2 Tuesday
Rich Faith Rising: Unite!
Growing Home: Growing Homemakers
 Christian Mommy Blogger: Fellowship Fridays
 Missional Women: Faith Filled Friday
 Essential Thing Devotions: Essential Fridays