Mother’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, May 12, and millions of mothers will receive flowers, chocolates, beautiful finger-painted pictures and maybe even a day of rest. For 21 years, I’ve had the privilege to celebrate Mother’s Day, but I learned the hard way that motherhood isn’t always joyful. As I’ve walked through my motherhood journey, I have realized that we all have different experiences as mothers. Dear new mothers or struggling mothers—don’t let comparisons steal your joy of motherhood. Comparing myself and my children to others was stealing my joy.

Embrace YOUR journey. Embrace the hardship. Even though your days may not look like what you thought they would, tell yourself that this is the day that the Lord has made. I wish I would have learned this life lesson 21 years ago. Oddly enough, even now that my children are all adults, I still struggle with comparison and looking back on things I wish I had done differently. Stop fighting what God has put in front of you and rejoice each day with everything that comes with it. Remember that even on the longest days, life is short. Enjoy your children and your motherhood journey!

Your Mom Walk with God: Staying Faithful on the Path of Motherhood
By Sally Clarkson

Motherhood is a journey. You love being a mother. You cherish your children. You long for them to grow up to be mature, loving, fruitful and faithful followers of God. But you know that means you’re called to be that kind of mom. It means you must stay faithful on God’s path of motherhood for you. In this book, you will find encouragement and hope for your own mom walk.

Chin Up: Wearing Grace, Strength, and Dignity When Motherhood Unravels Our Souls
By Amy Seiffert

Have you ever faced yourself in the mirror and wondered why motherhood fits like a glove on others but feels so graceless on you? Does motherhood look beautiful on some women but feels like a lopsided dress on you? With humor and honesty, this book walks you through the grace and glory of motherhood in the mundane tasks and maddening moments of everyday life. Unravels the mysteries of motherhood and the gifts to be found when we keep our Chin Up and see what God is doing through our motherhood.

From Grouchy to Great: Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood
By Ruth Schwenk

As moms, we all sometimes struggle to keep it together. In a moment, anger or frustration can spill out. The battle for Jesus to reign in our hearts and through our emotions is a fight we all face every single day.

From Grouchy to Great is a devotional filled with real-life stories that will help encourage you and remind you that the battle is won by God’s grace and wisdom.

Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood
By Kara-Kae James

Every mom can identify with the feeling that they’re in a race to the finish line every day, stumbling over everything in their path—including Legos and dirty laundry. This book shares four themes that impact daily life including intentional motherhood, genuine community, refreshing rest and embracing chaos. With practical ideas for building relationships with other moms, grace-filled Scripture reminders and a healthy dose of humor, this book helps readers step out of survival mode and into the abundant life God has for them.

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Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Wise Valdes has been writing for the Osprey Observer since 2008. She graduated in 1989 from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in Communications and enjoys writing and traveling. She currently resides in northern Hillsborough County with her husband, David. When not traveling and writing, Kelly and her husband enjoy spending time with their five grown children (as well as their grandchildren) that still keep them very busy.