You’re Not Lazy: Why Feeling Overwhelmed Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing as a Mom
I looked around my house and felt the weight settle in my chest. Toys scattered. Laundry waiting. Dinner? Still a question mark. The voice sneaked in: “Why can’t I just get it together? Maybe I’m just lazy.”
But here’s the truth I’ve learned the hard way — I’m not lazy, and neither are you. What we’re carrying as moms doesn’t always show up on a to-do list. Overwhelm doesn’t mean failure; it simply means we’ve been giving more than we realize.
The Lie We Believe: “I’m Lazy”
For a long time, I silently battled the thought that if I couldn’t keep up, I must not be trying hard enough. I told myself I just needed to “push through” or “get more disciplined.”
But laziness is when you don’t care. Overwhelm is when you care so deeply, but the weight on your plate is heavier than one person was ever meant to carry alone.
When I started to look closer, I realized how much invisible work I was already doing before the day even officially began:
Remembering doctor’s appointments
Mentally planning meals
Checking in on my child’s emotions
Keeping track of school forms and family birthdays
Solving problems no one else even knew existed
This is real work. Just because it isn’t visible in a sparkling kitchen or perfectly folded laundry pile doesn’t mean it doesn’t count.
Shifting the Perspective
For years, I measured my worth by how much I could get done. A clean kitchen meant success. A messy one meant I was failing. But slowly, God began showing me a different way.
My worth isn’t tied to productivity — it’s rooted in being His beloved daughter.
Even from the very beginning, God modeled rest for us. In Genesis 2:2–3, He rested after creation. Jesus Himself invited His disciples in Mark 6:31: “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
If the God who never grows tired rested, and if Jesus who could do all things paused, why do I believe rest is something I have to earn?
Instead of striving for perfection, I’ve learned to embrace grace-filled small steps. And they’ve made all the difference.
Practical Ways to Lighten the Overwhelm
Here are a few practices that help me when the weight feels too heavy:
Take micro-rests
Even five minutes of quiet with coffee, prayer, or just deep breathing can reset my mind. Sometimes I whisper, “Lord, I can’t, but You can.”Ask for help
For the longest time, I resisted this. But then I remembered even Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms when he grew weary (Exodus 17:12). Motherhood was never meant to be a solo act. Whether it’s asking my spouse to take the lead on dinner, inviting my child to fold laundry with me, or leaning on my community, sharing the load is not weakness — it’s wisdom.Choose one priority per day
I used to aim for ten things and end up feeling like I accomplished none. Now, I choose just one main priority. Some days it’s “wash the uniforms.” Other days it’s “play outside with my child.” Everything else is a bonus. And those small wins? They really matter.
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So let me remind you — you are not failing. You are not lazy. You are a mom doing holy, unseen work that may never get applause, but echoes into eternity.
When the guilt whispers louder than grace, cling to this truth: You are not lazy. You are not failing. You are loved — and God’s grace is enough for today.
If your heart needs more reminders of God’s peace and strength, I created “7 Days of Faith and Clarity for Moms.” It’s a free email devotional designed to lift you up with scripture, encouragement, and practical steps for a lighter, grace-filled motherhood.
