My Biggest Mom Fail Yet
I forgot my son’s birthday.
Like, completely spaced it.
I knew it was coming. I had even bought him an early birthday present. But the morning of his birthday? Nothing.
I woke him up, made him do chores, and sent him to school like any other day. It never even occurred to me that it was his birthday.
And he didn’t say a word.
About 10AM it hit me.
Talk about mom guilt.
I have never felt so guilty in my entire life.
Mom Fail
I had actually promised him in the weeks leading up to his birthday that while I might joke about cancelling his birthday, or not letting him get older, I would never, ever forget. And then I did.
She promised she would never forget… and then she did. Click To TweetI never even wished him happy birthday.
Thus, I went to the store and bought him balloons. Text my husband, who suggested I buy him lunch. And showed up at the school with my guilt package birthday surprise.
He loved it.
He eats that kind of stuff up. It’s his love language.
I, on the other hand, never do that kind of stuff. I’m busy. Contrary to popular opinion, I have a job. Even though I work from home, I work hard. If I don’t get enough done while the kids are at school, I have to put in time while they are home, and I don’t like doing that.
Not to mention the fact that I am an introvert, so walking into the school with a bunch of balloons screaming “Look at me!!” Isn’t really my thing. It makes me uncomfortable. Plus, I have to talk to people.
It’s amazing the lengths we will go to when we feel guilty, isn’t it?
I was tempted to beat myself up the rest of the day as I baked his cake and wrapped his gifts.
But deep in my heart, I knew that wasn’t the answer.
My Failures & Jesus
The honest truth is each and every time I fail, it’s like an arrow pointing me back to Christ.
Because that’s the reason Jesus came.
He came because He knew we needed a Savior.
And I definitely need a Savior.
I am far from perfect.
Yes, I failed that day. In a big way. But I can stand forgiven at the cross.
Romans 8:1 has become my battle cry. There is no condemnation for those of us who love Jesus. None. Not even a little bit. Not even at all.
Yes, I still make mistakes. But Jesus always has me covered, and I can always turn to Him.
You may be reading this thinking that I am a horrible mom, and who knows, maybe your right. But God loves me anyways. And so do my kids. So, your opinion really isn’t all that important to me. Sorry, not sorry.
But if you are reading this and thinking, “I’ve been there.” I just want you to know that you’re not alone. We all make mistakes. There is not a single mom on Earth who has ever got it right 100% of the time. I mean… Jesus’ mom lost Him. Left Him in Jerusalem and travelled for a whole day without Him before she realized He was missing. I think we’ll be okay. Our God is a gracious God.
Can You Relate?
What’s your biggest mom fail? Can you think of one, or remember a time when you felt like you let your kids down or needed to remember that there is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ – even when we mess up as moms? Join the conversation in the comments below.
What's your biggest mom fail? Heather shares hers here… Click To Tweet
Oh, my gosh, Heather! I’m not a mom with my own kiddos yet, but I do have 3 precious step-children. Sometimes I beat myself up about not remembering things or just feeling disconnected. I wonder a lot if it’d be easier with my own kids. Your post makes me feel so much better: none of us is perfect. My own kids won’t make me perfect, and (should God bless me with kids of my own) I’ll make mistakes with them too.
Gotta say too…I loved your story. It drew me right in.
Great post and great reminder!
Thanks, Ashley. None of us are perfect. I felt horrible, but I have to remember, we all make mistakes. Thankfully, my son is very forgiving, and our God is full of grace.
Oh my, yes, you are definitely not a horrible mom! You had me cringing and laughing at the same time. I’m sure your son will think of this as that great birthday when mom when out of her comfort zone and did something big for him at school. Way to save it! And yes, thank the Lord He is the only thing perfect in our lives!
He totally loved it. He did mention that we didn’t say happy birthday to him after he got home… he’s a smart one. But he is also forgiving. He loved his birthday surprise.
When my daughter was a baby, she’d get so fussy and cranky. Nothing would comfort her. After a few long days and sleepless nights, I’d get so irritated with her. Exasperated, I’d finally take her to the doctor to find out the poor baby girl had an ear infection! This happened multiple times. Then there was the time I lost her at Wal Mart…
I’m sure I’ll think of lots more…
Being a mom isn’t for the faint of heart! It’s hard work. No one gets it right 100% of the time. Thankfully there’s grace.
I am definitely not perfect. My biggest mom fail was when I forgot my son at church. My husband and I got in the car with our other two and never thought twice that our youngest was not with us. It was not until we got to my in laws that I realized he was not with us. I quickly called the church hoping that someone would answer, while my husband drove back to the church. Our pastor met my husband in the parking lot cracking up. He said after every one left, my youngest and their son came out of the nursery, and when his son noticed that we left our son he asked if they could keep him, lol. My wonderful pastor has never let us live that one down. Mom of the year award right here.
Oh, Angela! I laughed out loud when I read that your pastor’s son asked to keep him. Too funny! I love that we can laugh at our mistakes (and bask in God’s grace).
My mom fails are many and gruesome. Thanks for normalizing it by sharing your story. Visiting you today from the grace and truth link up.
We all struggle. But Jesus told us to share our burdens, and I think part of that is just letting each other know that we don’t struggle alone. Thanks for stopping in!
I’m in the “I’ve been there” group. I think you recovered nicely. I know what you mean about having to bring attention to yourself and talk to people, I don’t like those things either. Thanks for the reminder that Jesus loves us no matter what.
Thanks for stopping in, Kathleen!
We’ve all been there! But God’s love covers a multitude of our humanity! Praise Him!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Amen! So thankful for that.