You’ve had a long day. Your toddlers, well, they were toddlers. Exhaustion settles around your shoulders from the endless battle of wills and the mind-numbing pace of the hours.

Or maybe you’ve set up shop in the minivan. Between your teens’ ball practice, orthodontic appointments, and youth activities, you’ve logged more hours as a chauffeur than in any personal pursuit, ever. All you need is a mini-fridge in the back and you could live in the vehicle full-time.

And what about that other relationship? You know, that marriage deal.

Wait, you say, are you referring to that man who lives in the same house? The one I pass on my way out the door to the next thing?

Um, yeah. That would be the one.

Dear mom of toddlers, preteens, and/or teens: You are in it—the thick of it. The daily whirlwind of guiding, loving, and nurturing a family. And today, we give you a reminder.

You are not alone, and you are a hero.

You may not have pulled someone from the path of a speeding car (well, actually, you could have done that very thing) or brought someone back to life with CPR, but you are a hero nonetheless.

You are a giant in the eyes of your toddler, as you stack the blocks really high and yet show patience when little hands knock said blocks across the room. When you teach your eight-year-old how to flip pancakes without splattering batter on the ceiling. When you throw a book across the room to squash a spider (and then leave it for dad to clean up).

Your hero status soars when you pause to make eye contact with your children and spouse. When you cease moving and listen to the emotion beneath the words. When you touch. And hold. And share laughter over silly things. When you ask semi-intelligent questions, thereby proving you were listening.

When you say, I’m sorry, and mean it.

When you say no to another outside request for your time. When you prioritize your marriage. When you guide your offspring to seek God’s heart each day and to live according to His word.

You become a beloved champion to your family (husband included) when you extend grace in the messiness of living. When you draw on the strength of a Heavenly Father who provides everything needed on this crazy journey.

So, moms, take a breath and adjust your hero’s cape. Keep your knee-pads ready for prayer. And remember: You are beautiful, precious, and treasured by the Creator.

His promise? He will finish the work He started in you.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
· Philippians 1:6 ·

cover photo by Thiago Cerqueira on Unsplash