When we rely on our kids’ reactions to validate our efforts, we end up giving them a weight they were never meant to carry. And most of the time, we don’t even realize we’re doing it. We pour so much of our heart into parenting that of course we want to see it “working.” The gratitude, the softer attitudes, the “thank you” and “I love you” — anything that tells us we’re doing a good job.
But here’s what God keeps reminding me: my worth as a mom isn’t measured by how my kids respond. It’s rooted in the calling He’s placed on my life (Colossians 1:10).
God never asked our kids to affirm us. He asked us to anchor ourselves in Him.
Parenting may never be “easy,” but it gets a whole lot lighter when we stop putting emotional pressure on our kids and start placing our confidence back in God’s hands (Isaiah 41:10). He sees the sacrifices. He hears the prayers. And nothing done in His name is ever wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Let’s release our kids from carrying what only God was meant to hold — and let Him be the One who steadies our hearts.
(This reflection is from my upcoming book — can’t wait to share it soon!)
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