The reach of a small hand is mightier than a king’s.
Resistance is exhausting–I will go with the flow, embracing with gusto whatever is in front of me.
Invitations for fun are often disguised as interruptions.
I will be as kind in the kitchen as I am on the page.
These days are like dandelions, beautiful, but gone in an instant; however, I will be the wind my children fly to new heights on, not the hand clutching a stem begging them to stay.
I will not treat little needs as requests to move mountains.
In moments of high stress, I will take a deep breath, and count to ten — inhaling truth, and exhaling toxic thinking.
I will be the ear that is bigger than my mouth.
Spilled milk is better than spilled rage.
Love will be the standard of all discipline. If they feel worthless in my sight, how will they know God?
Hot chocolate and cozy blankets will always be the prescription for a crummy day.
I will smile more than I scold.
My dreams, desires, idea, and passions don’t have to somehow include my children.
Like a well engineered bridge, I will serve the souls of my children with gratitude and intention, letting my service expand their horizons.
My imperfections and shortcomings do not disqualify me from being the parent my children need.
My failures do not diminish the successes of others (and vice versa). I will be a mom who raises up other moms and celebrates, rather than compares.
It’s okay to feel frustrated and disappointed. It’s not okay to hold my children responsible for my feelings, and take it out on them. I want to show them how to deal with their realities in a positive, truth informed way.
Music is a capstone for the formation of character. I will not let exhaustion keep me from the rhythm of a spontaneous dance party.
Pursuing a child’s heart is like a grand enchantment; I ready myself for the wonder that comes from seeing and being seen.
I will never have all the answers, but I can point my kids in the right direction.
I am raising cultural transformers, armed with creativity, empathy, courage, and curiosity.
It’s okay to need a break, to need emotional, mental, and spiritual fulfillment in places other than motherhood. This is just one part of my life.
I will not be enmeshed in the drama of my children. I am raising collaborators/problem solvers, not co-dependents.
Bullying seems excusable when I perceive myself to be a totalitarian boss; but good leaders don’t bully. They create cultures of honor and safety in which respect, questions, humility, and submitted independence can thrive.
I will strive to be the kind of adult I want my children to become.
Body language is a greater teacher than lip service.
My children are not my best friends; however, we can enjoy being on the same family team.
I will lean into planting good seeds in the souls of my children, believing that the arduous work of cultivating, will yield a beautiful harvest in the years to come. (Galatians 6:9)
“So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakeable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (The Passion Translation)
Let us love BIG, mamas, armed with the love of Christ and the strength of our global sisterhood.
*although far from comprehensive, this is my starting point, my reminders of the kind of mom and woman I want to be. I am far from implementing this creed perfectly, but I want to be a mom who strives for excellence, and is kept in grace and mercy. What would you add?
**Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash
Kelsi Folsom 