My husband watched on as I juggled the demands from our 3 boys while preparing dinner, and planning family activities on a calendar. “Wow, you are a superwoman, how do you do it?” I didn’t respond because to be honest I didn’t know what to say in that moment. He often uses this phrase for me and I am quick to remind him that I am not superwoman. I am very much a woman who needs help and support because I don’t want to create an illusion that I have it all together!
We’ve all heard the saying “she’s a supermum” to describe a mother who seemingly excels in all areas of her life, often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness. This can include managing a household, raising children, working a full-time job, maintaining a social life, staying physically fit, and being involved in community or school activities.
She does it all and this incredible “supermum” is often portrayed as handling these diverse and demanding tasks effortlessly and without showing signs of stress or fatigue. Some of us envy this type of mum, others work so hard to embody her, and the rest wonder how they’ll ever live up to this ideal of a woman. Whichever camp you sit in, I am here to tell you that you can take a deep long breath! Super mums aren’t miraculously created, but faithfulness to our homes is what the true goal is and where the prize lies.
I wanted to title this post originally as Faithful Mums: The true heroes beyond the supermum myth as it also truthfully echoes the reality of what we live out each day. As a Christian mother, striving for the title of “supermum” can often leave us feeling exhausted and inadequate, chasing after an impossible ideal. Striving in our own effort to fulfill a divine calling in our own strength only sets us up to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when we realise just how much the role of mother entails. We are human. We fall short, we have challenges and set backs, and we are imperfect- But God.
In God’s eyes, our faithfulness to our families holds far greater value, than us over exerting ourselves to meet shifting societal markers. Faithfulness means showing up each and every day with a hearts posture to be committed to what God has called us to- in the good and the bad. It means showing up with love, grace, and consistency, embracing the unique calling God has given us within our homes. It’s in the daily acts of care, the moments of prayer, and the intentional nurturing of our children’s hearts where “super” moments are found.
God doesn’t call us to be perfect and to have it all together. He calls us to be present and focused. When we prioritise faithfulness over perfection, we model His unwavering love and faithfulness to our children. Some days may flow really well, and other days may be very challenging. Through it all, if we determine in our hearts to not give up on what God has given us, and to count it all as a blessing, we’ll be able to connect our hearts with the right action.
This is the true essence of motherhood, far surpassing any worldly notion of being a “supermum.” In fact, if we are seeking to build lasting and deep relationships with our children, they need a Christ-dependent mum more than a supermum who wants to flow and present life perfectly well all the time.
How can we be faithful?
Some aspects of mothering are simply mundane and normal. There are laundry piles to fold, schedules to manage, food to pick up from the floor dishes to wash and floors to sweep. If we approach these tasks with our whole hearts, they too embody faithfulness to the calling of motherhood.
- Waking up each day and determining within our hearts to be faithful is the first step to accomplishing this goal. Starting each day by seeking God’s guidance and strength, asking Him to fill us with His peace and wisdom helps to position our minds in the right place. Prayer anchors us in His presence and aligns our hearts with His purposes. Make it a habit to pray with and for your family, inviting God into every aspect of your daily life. Through prayer, we find the resilience to face challenges and the grace to extend love even in difficult moments.
- Secondly, embracing the beauty of small, consistent acts of love is so so key. Faithfulness is often found in the ordinary moments – a kind word, a listening ear, a gentle touch, a hug. Celebrating these seemingly mundane acts as significant contributions to our family’s well-being is so important to making love feel tangible. It’s not the grand gestures but the daily demonstrations of love and care that build a strong, loving home. Remember, it’s in the little things that our faithfulness shines the brightest.
- Thirdly, cultivating a heart of gratitude goes a long way. Regularly take time to count your blessings and express gratitude for your family helps to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance we have in Christ. It fosters a positive atmosphere in our homes and helps us to see our family members through God’s eyes. By modeling thankfulness, we teach our children to appreciate the goodness of God in their lives, encouraging contentment and joy.
- Lastly, weaving in rest and self-care into our routines is key to preventing burnout and helps us to remain feeling refreshed in our roles . As mothers, we often pour ourselves out for our families, but it’s essential to recognise our own need for rest and renewal. Jesus Himself took time to withdraw, rest and pray, setting an example for us. Find moments to recharge, whether through reading Scripture, enjoying a hobby, or simply taking a walk in nature. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped and ready to to care for our families with faithful patience.
By grounding ourselves in gratitude, we can remain faithful to our families in a way that honours God and nurtures those we love. Let us cast aside the pressures of being “supermums” and instead, find joy and fulfillment in being faithful mothers, steadfastly reflecting Christ’s love and perseverance in our homes.
Alethea
Discover the joy and fulfillment of creating a loving, organised, and faith-filled home! Download my free eBook, “The Homemakers Framework,” for practical tips, encouragement, and inspiration tailored for mothers and homemakers. Start your journey towards mastering home management and nurturing your family’s well-being today. Get your free copy now and transform your home into a sanctuary of love and grace!
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