For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect.
(Ps. 18:28-30)

Sometimes we mothers feel like we have a huge "S" emblazoned on our chest. It really is quite amazing how we do what we do.

Of course, being a mother myself, I can talk this way. When you become a mother, did you suddenly have a new-found respect, love, and compassion for your own mother?

It changes your whole perspective, doesn't it? Being a mother is the most challenging and rewarding work in the world. And just like anyone else, we can get caught up in a "performance trap."

Do you measure your success as a mother based on your performance? Are there times when you feel frustrated and can't seem to "get it all together"? Are you trying to be "Supermom"?

Are you involved in so many activities that none of them are allowing quality time for just you, your husband, and your children?

So many mothers feel exasperated and unworthy because they are trying to be a mother in their own strength. Many women struggle to be the "perfect mom." Yet God has not called us to be perfect mothers.

Many of us battle with the dreamy picture we had when we were younger that we would be the perfect mom! We would always look absolutely stunning, have our houses sparkling clean, prepare gourmet meals, and dress our children adorably (matched to our outfit of course!).

Unfortunately, on most days reality is not quite that perfect—loads of laundry, demanding schedules, frustrating time restraints, and no slowing down at all. You do not sit down all day long! Not even to eat lunch!

The pros far outweigh the cons, but it is easy to slip into the "Supermom syndrome." Everyone wants something from you all the time. And if no one else is asking you to "perform"—you pick up the slack and heap self-expectations on top of the real-life requirements.

When we realize we are not perfect (and don't have to be), there will be even greater joy in parenting!

When I became a mother, I quickly learned I was not perfect. I had to learn to prioritize every minute to insure I spent proper time with my husband and our children. To be quite transparent, I love to work—to travel, minister, and sing have always been my first loves.

However, the Father God began to show me that what I was doing was great and effective, but my family could not suffer for the Gospel's sake. God would never destroy a family to promote a ministry.

I began to see the greatest thing I could ever do was to train up our children in the way they should go, so that when they were older they would not depart from God (Prov. 22:6).

I received insight into the fact that if I taught our children to love God, hear His voice, and follow His lead—I would be accomplishing more in the long run than I could ever do on my own. The idea of reproducing the call of God in our children has to be the most satisfying revelation God has ever given me.

Our children are our living testimony that goes on after us. Through them we can then bless generations to come! Genesis 12:3 (AMP) says, "In you (or your seed) will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].

Without the help of the Father God, you cannot be the wife you need to be, successfully train and love your children, and fulfill God's purpose for your life.

There may be days that your house is less than perfect and your meals quite plain, but every moment is precious as you train and impart into your children.

Through the help of the Holy Spirit you can be a supermom for your children. You just need to take off your red cape and realize that you are completely equipped and anointed through Jesus to be a mother.

After all, God hand-picked you and your children and put you together. You were made for each other—and God believes in you both.

Source: The Mommy Book by Cheryl Salem
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers`