I was talking with a friend recently about motherhood, schedules, and spiritual growth—ya know, the whole beautiful mess—and at some point in the conversation, she paused and said:
“Wow… I’m not doing that bad. This is normal.”
And I could’ve cried right there. Because that realization? We all need it. Especially when it feels like we’re failing at everything.
What “Bad” Feels Like
When you’re a mom or a woman of faith trying to juggle it all, bad doesn’t always look dramatic. It feels like:
- The house is too messy
- The kids go to bed way too late
- They STILL won’t sleep through the night
- You didn’t get any ALONE time to pray
- You haven’t opened your Bible or your Bible app in days
And then the guilt starts whispering… You’re behind. You’re not growing. You’re not enough.
But here’s the truth I wish someone would’ve outright told me earlier:
God is not transactional. He’s relational.
He’s not handing out gold stars for perfectly structured quiet times and boxes checked off. He just wants to be with you. Not just for 30 minutes in the morning—but in all the moments.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
The Whole Day Counts
One night I was putting my daughter to bed—it was late, she was exhausted, and I was too—and her eyes suddenly popped open and she asked, “What did you do today, Mommy?”
I laughed and said, “You were with me. You know what I did.”
But her question wasn’t about information. She just wanted to connect with me.
That’s how the Lord is with us. He’s not checking your spiritual to-do list. He’s with you. And He loves when you just talk to Him throughout the day. That’s what it means to “pray without ceasing.” Just stay aware. Stay grateful. Invite Him into the chaos.
“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” — Psalm 100:4
What Progress Actually Looks Like
We look for big wins, but growth is often quiet. It’s hidden in:
- moments of discipline no one sees
- pausing to pray instead of reacting
- your prayers shifting from “fix me” to “help them” or better yet “you are worthy”
- letting Him stop you in the middle of dishes and distractions
The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence—not your productivity, not your perfectly planned days. Your mental, emotional, and spiritual state matter. Shifting mindsets is hard, but it breeds real growth.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23
You’re doing better than you think.
Don’t Let Guilt Hold You Back
When you feel like you messed up or missed it, guilt loves to tell you you’ll never get there. That it’s too late.
But guilt lies. Grace doesn’t.
Grace says: Just keep going.
God’s not in a rush. He’s not comparing your progress to someone else’s. But He is inviting you to shift your mindset—to see yourself the way He sees you.
Because if you only know what God says about you but don’t live from it, you’ll keep performing to please people instead of living rooted in your identity in Him.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” — Psalm 119:11
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
You’re Not Alone
Close your eyes for a second and picture someone you really admire. Now imagine all the messy, behind-the-scenes moments they don’t post about. They have them. We all do.
Now think of yourself in the same way—with tenderness, with compassion.
You’re not alone. This is normal.
Life is hard, but He never asked you to carry it alone. He promised to be with you. To help you carry the load. To walk with you as you bear fruit, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
So here’s your reminder today: