Mother’s Day comes and goes, but one thing remains constant. You are an amazing mom. How do I know? I’ve been in your shoes with lots of self-doubt. On this podcast, I share my insights on most, if not all, of you incredible moms listening.

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There were times in my journey as a mom when I wasn’t thrilled with myself, my mission, or, if I’m being totally honest, my calling to be a homeschool mom. (Insert gasp here!) Seriously? Me, Felice Gerwitz, on episode 5,000, and I’m just now admitting this? Look, I wasn’t the girl who got all dreamy-eyed over a guy or obsessed over a boyfriend when one finally asked me out. I was laser-focused on graduating from high school, then college, and landing a solid job. My big dreams? They shifted from psychologist to educator, and I had my sights set on being a school principal, changing the world one kid at a time. But God slightly nudged me in a different direction.

I got that teaching degree, but everything else? It faded into the background once I got married and had my first kid. And you know what? I don’t regret it one bit!

Think back to your own goals. Was your dream to get married, have a bunch of kids, and homeschool? If so, you’re already miles ahead of where I was back then. I was way too selfish to even think about a house full of kids, and homeschooling? Not even on my radar.

Yet, there I was, with two little ones, standing at a homeschool conference. I jumped in with both feet and barely any prep. I struggled a lot. Why was I homeschooling? Why was I such an impatient mom? Why was I raising my voice more often than not?

But here’s the thing: I was already doing more as a homeschool mom than I gave myself credit for. I loved doing arts and crafts with my kids, taking long walks, picking up bits of nature, and coming home to make nature pictures. Those doubts creeping in? Those aren’t from the Lord. We need to remember we’re doing the most important job there is—raising our kids.

We all struggle, some more than others. Our lives aren’t perfect, and sometimes they’re not even close to what we pictured for ourselves. But we show up, every single day. I’m in a different season now than I was even five years ago. My kids are grown, young adults now. Some went to college, some didn’t, and no matter what, I was there for them. Whether they were under my roof or hundreds of miles away, I was still Mom.

When I say I know you’re an amazing mom, let me break it down.

We moms show up. We’ve got what I call “Caregiver’s Syndrome,” where we put everyone else first—kids, spouse, you name it—and neglect ourselves, sometimes to the point of running ourselves ragged. We don’t always eat right, and hot food? Ha, what’s that? We’re interrupted in our most private moments, and a shower or bath? That’s a late-night luxury when the kids are finally in bed. Don’t even get me started on sleep deprivation.

And yet, we keep showing up.

Being a mom is a blessing, even when it doesn’t feel like it. You’ve been ordained by Almighty God, given the privilege of nurturing your kids into adulthood. It’s not always fun, and it can be downright heartbreaking. But you’re a blessing to your family, and that’s no small thing.

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• Praying for your kids. Daily. You’re lifting them up to the Lord, trusting Him with their hearts and futures.
  
• Showing up, no excuses. Even when you’re exhausted, you’re there.
  
• Caring deeply. Not just surface-level stuff, but that heart-deep love that keeps you going.
  
• Putting family first. Your spouse, your kids—they come before your own needs.
  
• Listening. Really hearing your kids, taking the time to know what’s on their hearts.
  

Amazing moms mess up—a lot. But we get back up and try again. It’s that sense of purpose, that determination, that sets us apart. And that, my friends, is what we strive for (besides just surviving the day). Everyone tells you to enjoy these years with your babies at home because they fly by, and maybe you try to but some days it’s extremely hard. But the key is focusing on the memories.

Let me add a few more things I’ve learned along the way, because being an amazing mom isn’t just about showing up—it’s about leaning into God’s plan for you.

First, God’s grace is your lifeline. You’re going to mess up. You’ll lose your patience, forget something important, or feel like you’re not cut out for this. But God’s grace covers every single one of those moments. His power shines through your weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). So let go of the guilt and trust that He’s equipped you for this calling, even when you feel like you’re a failure.

Second, you don’t have to do this alone. Homeschooling can feel like you’re on an island, but God gave us community for a reason. Lean on your church, your homeschool co-op, or even an online mom’s group. We have a great Facebook group for moms that is so underutilized. Each one of the show hosts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network is a member and ready to answer any of your questions. With a group of friends you can share your struggles, pray for each other, and lift each other up (Galatians 6:2). You’re not meant to carry this load alone.

Third, your faith is a living example. It’s not just about praying for your kids—it’s about showing them what trusting God looks like. Read Scripture together, even if it’s just a verse. Forgive them when they mess up, just like God forgives you. Let them see you lean on Jesus when life gets hard. That’s how you shape their faith, day by day.

Fourth, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. God gave you this body and mind, and you’ve got to tend to it. I’m not talking about spa days. Just carve out a few minutes to pray, read, or even sip your coffee while it’s still warm. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and God wants you to keep a portion of the blessings He’s given to you.

Fifth, celebrate the small stuff. We’re so hard on ourselves, always thinking we’re not doing enough. But every time you get through a tough day, teach your kid something new, or see them show kindness, you can be proud of yourself and them. It’s not vanity, it’s truth. Those are signs of God’s faithfulness in your work. Give yourself a high-five for the little victories.

And finally, keep the eternal perspective. The dishes, the laundry, the spilled milk—it’s all part of something bigger. You’re not just raising kids; you’re shaping souls for eternity (Proverbs 22:6). Every sacrifice, every prayer, every moment you choose to show up? That’s kingdom work. God sees it, and it matters forever.

Let me share a story that’s stuck with me. My Italian uncle, Uncle Tony, used to show up to family dinners with a pocket full of one-dollar bills. My kids would swarm him because they knew the deal: he’d ask their age and hand over that many dollars. No amount of us begging him to stop made a difference! Uncle Tony came from a family of seventeen kids. I saw a black-and-white photo of his family once, and his mom? Stunningly beautiful, with this serene look, surrounded by her kids. Her husband died young, and she raised them all. Uncle Tony was only twelve when he took the family cow to their village, selling fresh milk with a tin cup. He became the original “milk man,” worked hard, and was super successful. But he always said, “You’re making memories with your kids. There’s no job more important.” He and my aunt couldn’t have kids, but they adopted two of his brother’s kids after his wife passed. That lesson about memories? It hit me hard.

Every day, we’re making memories. When we’re washing dishes, folding laundry, or mopping up messes—but especially when we’re drying tears or listening to our kids ramble about their day. Field trips, park days, or picnics (even in the living room when it’s pouring)? Those are awesome. But nothing beats just being Mom.

For me, the best moments are when my kids ask for prayers because they know I’ll pray. I love that they can count on me—it’s just part of being Mom. It’s thankless sometimes, sure, but so rewarding. Being a mom wasn’t on my top ten list of dreams growing up. I had my career all mapped out, but God knew better. He knew I needed this, not some fancy job. And I thank Him for it every day.

So, amazing moms, keep showing up. Lean on God’s grace, find your people, live your faith out loud, take care of yourself, celebrate the little wins, and never forget—you’re doing eternal work. You’ve got this, because God’s got you.

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