It is not uncommon to hear mothers sharing their sentiments about not being enough even after they’ve given their best for their kids. These feelings are not helped by the hype of people on social media sharing picture-perfect homes, home-cooked meals, well-folded laundry, and squeaky-clean floors. But let’s be honest, we know that with kids at home, there’s always some kind of chaos and that’s okay. The truth is, in the eyes of your kids, it’s not chaos at all.

It isn’t chaos because they don’t see the spilled milk, the unwashed dishes, the clothes that have not been folded for days, and the clutter all around the house. All they see is a superhero who comes to their rescue when they hurt themselves, an artist who helps them with art projects, a friend who listens to them when they feel down or feeling under the weather, a die-hard fan during school plays, soccer practices, and ballet performances, an amazing cook who ensures their tummies are full, someone who tries their best to be kind, forgiving, and patient—a mother who means everything to them.

They see you teaching them good values and showing them how to make the right choices. They see you as their safe space. They know that they can explore the world around them, make mistakes, learn, grow, and be loved all the same.

So when they say that you are the best mom in the whole world, soak it up and let it linger for a little while because they mean every single word. For them, you are enough.

It can be hard sometimes to look at the brighter side of things when you’re exhausted, and your patience is dangling by a thread but know that you are not alone in this journey of raising such valiant spirits. The Lord sees your efforts, even the ones that you think aren’t good enough, He hears your silent plea for help when you feel that all your energy has been depleted, He rejoices with you on every little milestone you have with your kids, and perhaps His hands are involved too when you finally get to spend a little time on your own to recuperate.

For Him, you are cut out to be a mother. For Him, giving your best is enough. For Him, you are enough.

There will be disappointments, frustrations, feelings of inadequacy, and heartaches along the way, but there will also be resilience, patience, strength, bravery, compassion, joy, and lots of little moments day after day, reminding you that you’ve done a good job, and that it is worth it. Don’t wish that feeling away. Pat yourself in the back because pulling it together even when it’s hard, makes you enough.

There’s no perfect recipe for motherhood. Please know that grilled sandwich or frozen pizza for dinner is okay, that late drop-offs to school sometimes happen, that it’s okay to be vulnerable with people you trust. You don’t have to have it all together all the time. It’s okay to need help, and seeking help doesn’t mean you’re incompetent, rather it shows that you’re aware that you need a support system. Know that you may not be a perfect mom, but you are enough.

If you look hard enough, you’ll realize that as your kids grow, you also grow. You’ll recognize that this journey, with its highs and lows, is a refining one, full of lessons that only motherhood can teach. You’ll recognize that the hardships of motherhood have prompted defining moments in your faith and trust in the Lord, and that rearing your kids is part of the Lord’s work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of [His children]”. And perhaps the most important part of it is getting a glimpse of Heavenly Father’s love for us.

So breathe. Take it one day at a time. You are doing remarkable things. You are enough!