Imperfect Moms

Mother's Day cards all seem to insist that Moms are perfect. I think we all know better, but Moms sure love to hear that they are perfect for their kids.


Some years ago, one of my daughters, whom I won't name, wanted me to be perfect, but over and over again I failed to meet her expectations. She was in the stage where Mom didn't understand or know that she was so very smart and wise and did not need my limited wisdom to help her become a successful and happy adult.


My heart ached for the choices she was making. She thought she was making good choices but as one by one those choices failed her, I sat in my prayer closet and prayed that all things would work for her good, because she loved the Lord and was called according to His purpose. I am glad to say that none of her choices were permanent heartaches. They were only little bumps in the road to true wisdom.


It was during this time that I wrote a poem expressing the truth about Moms, especially about me. I am including it here and in my Poetry Impressed blog in honor of Mother's Day and for all of us imperfect Moms.


Perfect Mom


I’m not a perfect mom.
How could I ever be,
When four small little ones
Once sat upon my knee?


My arms could hold not one
The same as for the next.
My mouth could speak no perfect words
There was no perfect text.


I could not do the perfect thing
Each special child would need.
I could not be someone I am not
For four such different seeds.


Somewhere in my heart
A perfect love does grow.
It covers all my sins
I hope someday they’ll know.


I am one imperfect mom
Yet try so hard to live
Loving each child perfectly
As much as I can give!


Carolynn J. Scully
©2011 (edited)


Father, You are the perfect creator of mothers. We fail to walk a perfect life and need Your forgiveness as well as forgiveness from our children. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to be raised by one of us. Jesus' Mother, Mary, was not perfect and still You placed Your Son in her arms. Certainly You had a plan. I believe You also have a plan for my children. Take what I have given them and perfect it in their hearts. Let them see the perfect God through my imperfect life that trusts You!