Have we done enough?

As parents we ask ourselves this question all the time, "Have we done enough?"  When our children have special needs, and when we homeschool, thus taking full responsibility for their upbringing and education, this question seems to be a constant refrain.  Have I taught them enough?  Have I taught them the right skills?  Have they learned what they need to learn to succeed in life?  Have we helped form their character?  Have we dealt with medical issues in the best manner possible?  Have we done everything we can to give our kids the best start in life?  And, most importantly, have we helped them to love God with all of their hearts, and to become useful to their King?

I never, ever feel like I've done enough.  There are so many needs, in so many different areas, that I never get to the end of the day and sigh with gratitude that all needs are met.  Today is one of those days where I feel completely overwhelmed as my limits run smack dab into the mountain of needs.  So here's my pep talk to myself, which I hope will encourage you, as well!  God does not ask us for perfection as parents.  He does not ask us to do everything by ourselves.  He does not ask us to raise perfect kids.  And He certainly knows our limitations.  He only asks that we stay faithful.  That we walk one step at a time.  That we do everything in our power, and then ask for some of His power.  If Jesus promised, "that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6), surely that applies to homeschooling and raising children.  Surely Jesus is reassuring us that if we stay faithful and allow Him to work in us and through us, He will fill in the gaps left by our inadequacies.  Surely, God loves our precious children even more than we do, and has equipped us to provide what they need as long as we lean on Him for wisdom and strength.  Take that, pity party!