These weeks of being under a stay-at-home order have been hard. But probably not as hard as it is for moms who don’t manage a moment’s time for themselves. Working, homeschooling, and trying to keep up with the normal responsibilities  of a home can be exhausting when combined with having no ability to get away from it all for a little break.

Adding to the stress are the social media posts which paint the picture of perfection – perfect mothering, delightful homeschooling, the photos of delectable meals, and the homes with inviting atmospheres.

But what if that is not the scenario presently experienced in your life? What if these days are a mixed bag of joy and stress? Laughter and tears?

Let’s give grace to one another, for each of our lives are a blend of twists and turns planned by the hand of God and unique to each of us. None of our journeys were meant to be like the other.

“The one way to ensure a miserable life is to constantly measure your own life by the lives of the people around you.” (Shauna Niequist)

If we’re going to stop comparing ourselves to one another, let’s also stop criticizing one another for that is another sure fire way to make ourselves, and those around us, miserable.

Let’s extend the freedom to be ourselves. To have an off moment, or perhaps an entirely off day.

Let’s chalk up impatience, short tempers, and grouchiness to hormones being off and awaken to a new day and a fresh start. A do-over.

Let’s cheer one another on, so that we all get across this time of uncertainty and change successfully. No one left behind. Everyone making it.

It’s called – giving grace, and the old words come through my thoughts:

“Mercy there was great
And grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me
There my Burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.”

(from the hymn, At Calvary)

Grace – God’s kindness and favor – totally undeserved, freely given, and greatly needed every day of our lives.

As parents, we often protect and teach and nourish our children. There are days we also need to be the recipients of the very same from our heavenly Father.

So in these unprecedented days be sure to let God nurture you, filling your soul with His truth to encourage you along the way. Let Him nourish your heart till you are settled and satisfied.

“Mercy there was great
And grace was free.”