Good, not Perfect
Scripture: "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." — Genesis 1:31
I was reading in my devotion last week and came across this Scripture I've read many times before. But this time, I found myself thinking about the challenges of parenting—and about each of you. Have you ever noticed what God said after He created the world? He didn't stand back and say, "It is perfect." He said, "It is very good."
As I walk alongside so many of you, I see the weight you carry. You replay conversations in your mind, wonder if you handled a meltdown the "right" way, question whether you missed something important, or worry that you've somehow damaged your child. Many of you are raising children who have experienced trauma, and the pressure to get everything right can feel overwhelming. But God never asked you to be a perfect parent. He asks you to be a faithful one.
Your children don't need a parent who never makes mistakes. They need a parent who is willing to apologize, repair, keep showing up, and continually point them to Jesus. Every time you own a mistake, ask for forgiveness, and reconnect with your child, you're teaching something far more valuable than perfection—you're teaching grace.
The only perfect Parent is our Heavenly Father. Through Christ, we are made righteous—not because of our flawless parenting, but because of His perfect love and sacrifice. Our hope isn't found in getting everything right. Our hope is in the One who redeems what we get wrong.
So today, I want to encourage you to lay down the burden of perfection. Your child needs your presence more than your perfection. Love them well, and love yourself. Repair when needed. Keep showing up. Trust that God is at work in both your heart and your child's, filling in the places where you feel inadequate.
Remember, God called His creation good, not perfect. And because of Him, you don't have to parent perfectly to be exactly the parent your child needs today.