Daily Strength for MothersSample

Inward Beauty

Motherhood has a way of stripping you down. Your body is a map of who you are. It might bear the scars of pregnancy and childbirth or your heart might bear them from loving a child you didn’t physically carry. Your eyes might be dark and heavy, hinting at the sleepless nights you’ve spent caring for little ones. Your hands may be more wrinkled, showing you’ve cradled, caressed, and worked hard to serve your children. Your back might be sore from carrying the child who just wants to be close. Motherhood can be rough.

Today, let God gently hold you where you are worn and remind you that no matter your physical weariness, he is cultivating within you the unfading beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit. Don’t look at yesterday and long for how your body was. Instead, look at how far you have come. Look at how this body has served you and remember that what is most precious to God is the beauty that comes from within. His work in your heart is far more valuable than anything outward could ever be.

Thank you that you look at my heart, God. You are cultivating within me a quiet and gentle spirit. Where my body is fading as I serve my family, my spirit can thrive in you. Help me to keep my eyes focused not on outward beauty but on you and what you are doing. Today, teach me to value what you value.