"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..."

A few days ago, I was speaking with a friend and fellow mom. "One thing my husband is good about," she told me, "is acknowledging how difficult it is to be a mom. Somehow that affirmation makes a really big difference, even if he isn't always that helpful with the kids." How true that is! Knowing that others understand our difficulties and appreciate our efforts immediately softens our heart. Grumpiness, complaints, and feelings of self-pity tend to vanish. Our mood is lifted and we can more easily focus on serving others. 

Unfortunately, many modern moms (including myself) fall into the trap of always wishing someone would help and affirm them - all the while forgetting to affirm others. You know how great affirmation makes you feel. How much better would your husband feel if you found ways to affirm him? And what about your kids? Finding even a single thing each day to affirm for them can make a huge difference in how your children feel about themselves and how they treat others. And maybe, just maybe, some of that affirmation will head back in your direction, too.