Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Only Opinion That Counts...

Dear Young Mother with young children. Don't compare yourself with other mothers. It's a temptation; I know. I used to feel like this dead flower next to all the perfect ones.
The Lord doesn't want us to compare ourselves with others. Lay all your worries, fears, inadequacies down at His feet. Ask Him to help you be the wife and mother you desire to be. He will encourage you and help you to do your best for His glory. Keep your eyes fixed on Him as you do your best. His opinion of you is the One that counts; and He loves you more than you know. Another opinion that counts is your husband's. I found that knowing that he loves me and that he likes the way I do things, matters far more than what others may or may not think of me. Most people are too busy with their own lives to think about me anyway, and the truth is, if they did think of me it was probably good. The above picture is me with my very nice neighbors Kari, Kristi and Sue. I used to feel so low around them. I just knew in my heart that they had it all together and were much better wives and mothers than I was. The truth is we were all learning and they were sweet as could be. They never caused me to feel lower than I ought; I was just comparing myself. I have come a long way since then.
I found this pretty flower and card sitting on my computer when I came home from work the other day. I was so over-joyed. My sweet husband left it where he knew I'd find it. Bless you dear mother as you rejoice with your happy home keeping your focus on the Lord. He will build your confidence as He has mine.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. "
Hebrews 12:2

8 comments:

Heather said...

very nice post. it is hard for moms not to compare themselves to other moms. i'm guilty of doing it too! thanks for sharing this. in the picture with your laptop is that curtain next to you on the right? i have that same one but it's a shower curtain! your hubby is sweet to leave you a flower and a card!

onlymehere said...

I think this is a wonderful post for all women in general as well as young mothers. The world seems to tell us that we're not enough, not pretty enough, not thin enough, etc. Thank heavens our Heavenly Father see's us not only for what we truly are but for what we can be. I loved this post and the flower and note from your husband is truly priceless. What a sweet man. Thanks also for stopping by my blog. I've missed you! Cindy

Molly's Art Designs said...

Dear Kathi--
Thank you for this post & your sweet comments on mine! Wow- I am so guilty of comparing myself in every way with other women. How much more we enjoy our lives and roles as mothers when we give up all of that and trust God! Why do I keep forgetting that?! Bless you-
Molly

luvmy4sons said...

Such a good point you make. No one has it all together. Everyone has failures and weaknesses, no matter how they look on the outside. We must all just do what we can do while leaning not on our own understanding but acknowledging Him in all we do. Each of us have our own gifts and weaknesses. No one is perfect. We shouldn't expect it of ourselves and we shouldn't assume it of others. I loved the illustration of the dead flower with the live ones. That is the enemy at work when we are made to feel this way. Great post!

Dana said...

What a sweet post kathi:)

Dana said...

I started comparing myself to other moms when I started blogging and really started to feel like a bad mom. I decided not to fall for Satans trap with wanting to make me feel bad. I took the things I was reading and am learning from all you other moms:)

Rose of Sharon said...

This is a good point Kathi, we are all guilty of comparing ourselves to other moms as well as just other people. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. I like to learn from other moms and take good ideas and apply them to my life. That helps, but when we compare and it makes us feel defeated and horrible, that is not good!

I think you are a very good and loving mother! Keep up the good work!

Love, Sharon

Sue said...

Hi Kathi,
I just loved this post,I think we all have been there and when we find out that the people we were comparing ourselves to were just as insecure!! We feel so silly.!! You have given young wives and mothers some excellent and Godly Advice. Thank you for sharing.

It seems you have a sweet husband like me, God is so good.
Blessings,
Sue

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails