measuring up

I've been pretty discouraged the past few days (or months... or years?). Reading all the wonderful things that other ladies are doing in their roles of motherhood. Seriously, awe-inspiring, Godly things! But instead of actually being inspired,  it has crushed my heart. Failure. I'm not doing a good enough job. I should be doing this, that, and the other thing. But I can't even get my floors mopped. 

So when Jason and I sat down to do our daily devo time this morning, I couldn't even read past the first two sentences - since I burst into tears. 

Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.
     Don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be farther from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of rightesousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Lk 6:37, Jn 3:16-17, Is 61:10, Prv 3:11-12

Jesus Calling; Sarah Young

Now, my floors really do need to be mopped, Acacia needs to be taught and disciplined, and I have to squeeze in some activity that fills me. But I can't accomplish these things out of obligation - because it's the "right thing" to do. And having a drill sergeant yelling shots at me all day will do me no good (and that would probably just make me cry). Instead of depending on my own strength, will, and flesh; I need to look to the throne of grace. I can take the great examples in front of me, and pray that God will work in me both to will and to do them. 

Above all; that whatever I accomplish with my day, may it glorify the Lord.