Are You Doing Enough?
For just about every parent, there comes a moment when it feels too hard. Maybe it's the endless laundry pile, or dishes still in the sink, or bills to pay. Maybe you feel like a bad parent, or other external factors going on in your life. And in the quiet moments between chaos, a whisper creeps in: "Am I really doing enough?" The answer is: No.
And that is okay. You alone are not enough, and that is okay. Because Jesus is enough. And he calls us to be Mary, not Martha. So with a deep breath in and out, your soul can rest, your spirit revive. To the world you may not be doing enough, but to your Father in heaven, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we acknowledge our limitations, we open the door for God’s limitless strength to work in us.
The World
So why do we sometimes believe that lie in our heads? Society bombards us with high standards of self-sufficiency. Instagram-perfect homes. Pinterest-worthy meals. Social media showcasing parents who never seem to struggle. But perfection was never the expectation. Grace was.
You aren't measured by clean floors or gourmet meals. You are measured by the love you pour into your family, often in the most mundane moments. That's because our worth isn’t defined by what we do or don’t do, but in Christ alone.
Christ
Have you ever wondered why Jesus said "It is finished" (John 19:30) on the cross? There was always more souls to save, more sick to be healed...how dare he say His time on earth was done! Yet we know that God did not listen to what the world thought of Him. Jesus proved that He alone is sufficient by dying on the cross for us. And because He was enough, we no longer have to bear the burden of perfection ourselves (Romans 5:8). You are chosen, loved, and redeemed by God.
You
How can we continue to remind ourselves of our dependence on Christ rather than self-sufficiency?
The Bible: Write down Bible verses that affirm your identity in Christ. You can reference the verses in the Conclusion if you would like some guidance. Meditate on them during moments of doubt. Give yourself permission to rest in the unshakable assurance of His care and love.
Prayer: Start your day with a short prayer, not a to-do list: “God, I can’t do this on my own. Please fill me with Your strength.” Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Community: Connect with other parents who can offer support. Be authentic in sharing your struggles, and encourage one another.
Conclusion
Your Identity is in Christ, Not Performance Because you are His child and heir (Romans 8:17).You are not defined by the world. You are a beloved child of God, created with purpose and immeasurable worth.
Embrace Imperfection as Part of the Journey Because you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). When you make mistakes (and you will), remind yourself that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). Remember, our failures don’t define us, it's God’s grace that does.
Give Yourself the Grace God Gives You Because you are chosen by God (1 Peter 2:9). Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself? Extend the same compassion to yourself!
And finally, when everything seems hopeless, Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Every sleepless night, every tear wiped away, God sees. He knows you. And He celebrates you. You are loved. You may not be enough, but in Christ alone you are enough.