At the end of each day I take some time to reflect on how it went. As I thought about today, I realized that I forgot to give my kids their vitamins. Once I recognized my mistake, l found myself uttering the words, “Ugh! I’m such a bad mom.”
Hold on…Forgetting my kids’ vitamins makes me a bad mom? Really?
Why is it that we are so quick to dwell on our mistakes and our weaknesses rather than focusing on our strengths? Maybe it’s because we want to be better? Or, perhaps it’s more than that; maybe we’re striving for perfection and, in doing so, are holding ourselves to an unobtainable standard.
The truth is that no one is perfect; no one has it all together.
When I was teaching, I would remind my students of this by responding to their mistakes (and my own) by saying, “It’s okay! Everyone makes mistakes!” Afterwards, we would all share a laugh and move on; no one was ever made to feel embarrassed by their mistake.
And so, on days like today, when critical thoughts creep in, I’m working on remembering that truth: no one is perfect. I’m starting to focus on my strengths, and I’m learning that I am not defined by my shortcomings, but rather by my heart. My love for God and my family and others, as well as my intentions, are a much better measure of my character.
“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” Proverbs 27:19
As you look back on your day, remember to give yourself some grace tonight; you’re doing better than you think!
Blessings,
Elise
The Post, “You’re Doing Better than you Think” first appeared on my Facebook Page on January 25, 2016.