As a Believer, we all want to be that perfect Mother…that Proverbs 31 woman who effortlessly did it all.  But if you would query 100 mothers…most would regretfully relate a time in their life when they felt they fell short of being that perfect Mom to their children.  With unrealistic expectations, terrible work schedules, time restraints, and exhaustion, it can only lead to self-loathing about missing the mark as a perfect Mother.  And if we allow it, the guilt and shame of that difficult time in our life will only overshadow any future joy we have with our children.  But we also can’t allow that negative critique of ourselves to shackle us to past either.  We can’t change what happened, but we can definitely be a positive influence now for our children and grandchildren.