Eyes to See Glimpses of Grace
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” - Colossians 4:2
It had been one of those weeks. You know the kind—a week when challenges, disappointments, and stress seem to come from every angle. This particular week, my chronic pain had flared, one of my kids was having difficulties at school, financial stress was hanging on me like a dead weight, and I was feeling like a failure as a mom, discouraged by the uptick in bickering and challenging behaviors.
“Mom guilt” had a death grip on me. “I’m clearly doing something wrong and falling short of the mom I need to be,” I groaned.
Trying to fight back tears as I started to fix food for everyone, I aimlessly searched the refrigerator, hoping my kids wouldn’t notice I was trying not to cry and ask me what the matter was. But when I spotted the week-old leftovers now looking more like a science experiment than a meal, the dam finally broke, and the tears ran down my cheeks.
I imagine I’m not the only one who’s felt like this. Most of motherhood is a process of two steps forward and one step back. Just as we start to figure out one season, we enter a new, unfamiliar one. A child starts to show growth in one area only for a new area of struggle to test our patience with them. We empty laundry baskets, only to find them overflowing with dirty clothes two days later. There are not many aspects of motherhood that have a clear start and finish or any measurable success. Change, growth, and forward progress can be so slow that we can miss it altogether if we don’t take the time to stop and look for it.
I’m learning (albeit slowly) that the greatest way to counteract a spirit of discouragement and weariness in moments like these is to look for evidence of God’s grace—in my children, in myself, and in the circumstances around me. This is a practical way to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
If we’re only focused on the work still to be done and prayers yet to be answered, we will miss the countless “little” answers to prayer and unexpected blessings along the way. On the other hand, looking for ways in which we see God’s faithfulness and grace at work right in front of us leads to a sense of joy, a greater prayerfulness, and a heart of gratitude. So here are a few practical ways to consider being “watchful . . . with thanksgiving.”
In My Children
Ask yourself: Where do I see growth in my child(ren)? What struggle did we use to deal with but haven’t had to address in a while? In what ways have challenges provided an opportunity to share the gospel with them? How have I seen my children show me grace and forgiveness when I’ve sinned against them? What encouraging and Christ-honoring characteristics do I see in my kids that are because of God’s grace and not my own doing?
You may see loads of ways in which you desire your children to grow. But focus on positive answers for a moment. You will find encouragement when you stop and look for growth and evidence of God’s work in your kids—even if only by inches!
In Myself
Ask yourself: Where have I seen growth in my own life? Are there areas of sin or struggle that don’t have as much of a grip on me as they once did? When I’ve been weary, discouraged, or lonely, how has God shown me his presence and comfort? Is there a friend that God has placed in my life as an encouragement and support? What areas has God gifted me in, which I can be thankful for?
You will always have areas in which you desire to grow, and you will always be met with new challenges and seasons to navigate. But if you take the time to notice and show gratitude for God’s tangible grace, love, and provision for you, you will be better able to find joy in the journey of motherhood, rather than being fixated on how far you fall short of where you want to be.
In Circumstances
When you’re having a hard day but are stopped in your tracks by a breathtaking sunset, remind yourself that the God who paints the colors of the sky is the same God who rules over every little detail of your life. He is reminding you of his glory, goodness, and presence in that moment.
When you feel you’re falling short of being the mom you want to be, but then your child walks in and hands you a gift they’ve made or some flowers they’ve picked, stop and enjoy the love of your heavenly Father being shown through your child.
When you’re spread thin after a long week and a friend randomly asks if she can bring you dinner, soak in the care of your heavenly Father, who sees and meets you in tangible ways.
When your plans are ruined by sickness or a cancellation, but your unexpected downtime ends up providing an opportunity for your family to connect during a busy season, be ready to see that God’s grace can redeem disappointments for his good purposes.
Sister, motherhood is wonderful and hard all at the same time. Too often, we can be our own worst enemy, fixating on where we’re falling short and glossing over the multitude of ways in which God has been and is being faithful. In his kindness, the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to see his tangible and present care for us. Today, take the time to look around and see the blessings and glimpses of God’s grace all around you. You just might be surprised at how much you have to be grateful for.
This article is an adapted excerpt from He Gives More Grace by Sarah Walton and Linda Green (The Good Book Company, 2023). Used by permission.
