{No More Perfect Moms} On Being Perfect

I'd say Jill Savage wrote "No More Perfect Moms" just for me, but as part of the book's launch team and Holley Gerth's God-sized Dream Team, I've learned I'm not alone in both craving perfection and wanting to rid my life of perfection. It's in this spirit of community I've invited fellow mommas to share their imperfect lives this week. 

Also this week you can have a "mom university" delivered right to your computer when you buy Jill Savage's "No More Perfect Moms." Buy the book and receive FREE resources worth more than $100. Here is the list of what you'll get when you email your receipt to NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu.

Tonya Garrick is a God-sized Dream buddy of mine. She's a momma to boys and waiting on her adopted girl to come home. I love adoption stories, so I'm glad I've gotten a chance to start following hers. Let's welcome her here today!
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I remember when our oldest son was born, twelve years ago today. The “perfect mama” chase began. He deserved only the best, right? Then I realized that I am far from perfect, so this was going to be a challenge.

So many days of feeling guilty for his crying, his colds, his diaper rash, my frustration, my lack of sleep. (Why couldn’t I be more disciplined?)

I’ve realized over the years that this child of mine has turned me into a mother. I wasn’t a mother before. How could I be prepared? Our days together were not perfect, but so much better.

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him."

{Lamentations 3:22-24}

Then a second son was born. Boy, was he different. Here we go again! He was much more loud and needy. And different. Why couldn’t I figure out what he needed? What was wrong with me? I’m a pretty smart girl, I mean, really. The doctors didn’t seem too worried, but I knew. He wasn’t just a late bloomer. Cue the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. I should have known sooner. My other son needs more attention, too.  Pile on the guilt.

Oh, it’s Sensory Processing Disorder? Autism? Oh. 

Now what? I’ll tell you.

This was the time (after the fall apart) that I realized something. My children were not a surprise to Him. Babies cry, they get sick, they fall down, they grow. They survive. We learn as we go. There’s no other way.  Autism did not surprise Him. He knew my boy was a quirky, hilarious, sensitive guy. He knew my oldest son would make the perfect big brother.

My abilities are no surprise to Him. He knows I’m impatient and flighty. (And goofy.)  He gave me these boys to parent right now, with all of their needs, with all of my needs. Because according to Him (and He knows better than me), I’m their perfect mother.
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Tonya is a southern girl who loves her family, coffee, traveling and a good book. Tonya and Sean have been married for 15 years and have two wonderful boys and one beautiful daughter waiting in Korea. A mom to a son with special needs, Tonya enjoys sharing her life experiences with others. Their family’s goal is to live out their faith daily.

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Disclaimer: Compensated affiliate link used, but most of you know by now that embracing imperfection is the theme of my year and "No More Perfect Moms" has been a huge part of that. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Or follow me on Twitter.