Mother’s Day – Failure IS An Option

Although my daughter would disagree with me, I have to say that I really haven’t been a good mother. So many mistakes, so much impatience, and so little appreciation for her childhood are things I will always regret. Oh, we jumped in our share of mud puddles, and once when she drew on the wall, I took her crayons and drew a frame around it. But so often it was rush, rush, rush. I dedicated so much of that time to work when I really didn’t need to, and I missed out on things I can never get back. If I could do it again, I would gratefully accept a reduced material lifestyle in trade for all the time I forfeited with her.

In spite of it all, she has turned out to be a fabulous young woman. She recently turned 17, is in her third year of homeschooling and doing wonderfully, and studying voice (opera) and piano. She also plays the guitar and drums. Most importantly – although I can’t claim credit for it – she has a vibrant faith and a heart to serve the Lord and serve others. Before much longer, she’ll be an adult, embarking on whatever journey God gives her.

I’ve tried hard to pass on what wisdom I do have – mostly that she will have a far more satisfying life if she sets high goals and fails, than if she sets lesser goals and succeeds. In short, if you are satisfied with a C average, that’s what you’ll get. But if you set your sights on a 4.0, even if you end up with a 3 or a 2.5, you’ve succeeded. I’ve tried to teach her that goals are not the be-all and end-all, but that measurable progress is. A goal is simply a tool you use to measure and achieve that progress. When you don’t make it, try to learn why. And when you do achieve that high goal – the feeling is incomparable. Victory!

Whatever I may have taught her, she’s taught me more – about submitting gracefully to a higher authority, about patience, repentance, and prayer. In my weaknesses and failures as a mother, God has stepped in and used it all for his glory. I’m blessed.