Best Mom EVER - but not as good as God

"Mommy - you should be everyone's mom."

Nothing could have prepared me for that impromtu compliment from one of my seven year old boys. Especially since he'd just come out from time out after getting in trouble for fighting with his brother.

"Aww... thank you... I will take that as a compliment," I said.

"You should Mommy. It was. You are the best mom in the world."

Now I'm wondering what he wants. Seriously. What is he buttering me up for now? Even better was his brother suddenly agreeing with him with a "Yeah Mom - you're the best!"

Um... excuse me... who are you and where are the two boys who were just mad at me for sending them to time out?

I gave both boys a hug and kiss, said thank you, and got back to fixing dinner. Meanwhile I'm thinking how awesome God is to give me such verbal reassurance through my seven year olds during a time when I'm struggling to find my footing as a mom. Since Abby's birth almost six weeks ago I've been on a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions of everything from "I'm the worst mom ever" and "how in the world do other moms of four or more kids make it look so easy" to "That wasn't so bad - I survived that" and "OK - maybe I can do this - eventually." Daily I'm begging God to give me the strength, patience, stamina and energy to get through providing just the basic of needs for all four children and my spouse. To hear a message that I'm doing okay - especially so loud and clear - was such a soothing, comforting hug for my heart.

Later, just to keep me humble, the same son comes up to me and says, "You know Mommy, you're great, but you're not as good as God." I had to laugh. I told him, "You are absolutely right! I'm not even close to being as good as God!" Then I laughed again. The other son, with a serious expression on his face, looks at me and says, in a very serious tone, "Mommy, it's not funny. You may not be God, but you are the best mom ever." I tried to muffle my laughter, conceal my smile and acknowledge his thoughts and feelings on the matter.

After tucking everyone snugly in their beds I went to say just a simple "thank you" to my Father for giving me such amazing blessings. No matter how tired I am, how frustrated I get, or how big of a failure I feel like at times, ultimately He is the main parent in this whole relationship, and as long as I keep turning to Him and turning my children's' faces to Him, it's all going to be OK. He's still "got this."