Moms come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, histories, gifts and callings. Motherhood is not a "one size fits all" deal. In theory this is a great truth. In practice it can be very challenging to accept and believe. Some moms work outside the home, some moms are full time homemakers. Some moms send their kids to public school, some to private school, and some choose to homeschool. Some moms are single, some are married. Some moms are the outdoorsy types, and love camping, rock climbing, canoeing and hiking. Some moms are crafty, some are foodies, some are musicians, some are story-tellers. Some moms wear a high powered suit to work and lead major companies, some moms rock at farming and cattle raising.
I believe the best moms are not the moms that try to squeeze into a mold that doesn't fit (it's like trying to squeeze into a pair of ill-fitting jeans...that's downright sad and painful). The best moms are not looking at other moms and comparing themselves or wasting time by judging and criticizing. Just as each individual comes in a unique and beautiful package, so is the role they play in motherhood. There is no "one size fits all". Rather than comparing, wouldn't it be more productive for us to extend grace to one another and realize that most moms are simply trying to do the best they can to be the best they can be?
The best moms are the moms who are grounded in their faith, obedient to the individual calling God has placed on their lives, and are operating in their God-given gifts and abilities. These moms will truly be their best selves for their families.
"Her children will arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:28-30