A mothers heart....

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs, and while at times it can be really fun at other times it can be really tough. I think I have shared this before but I have been thinking about it alot and so I wanted to share it again. I remember one day when McKenzie was in the bathroom with me while I was putting on my makeup and she was watching me so carefully and then she left and came back about two minutes later. With her she had a little bag with her makeup and she began to stand there with me to put her makeup on. I remember thinking "how cute". I then remember her saying "mommy I am going to be just like you when I grow up." I thought awwww... then just moments later I started thinking, wait...what part of me, and what does she see when she looks at me. I mean I put on my makeup faithfully because I hate who I am without it, I am not comfortable and I feel ugly, many nights I go to bed in tears because of the pain I have endured throughout my past. Or does she see the part of me that has to have everthing in its place at home, with freshly vaccumed floors daily??? and so I remember thinking about all of this and knowing what I wanted her to see and to learn, that she is beautiful just the way she is, that she is not alone, that nothing she does could make me love her less, and that she is perfect in my eyes.
Is the way that we are living telling those around us that we must strive to be perfect, and that beauty is what we make of ourselfs after lots of makeup and time in front of the mirror???? I am a mother, a sister, a friend a daughter and a Christian and I want those surrounding me to know that God loves me for me, he thinks I am beautiful, I am perfect in his eyes and nothing I have ever done or could do could make him love me any less!!! So I must start living this way, because I know it's true, I need to live the way I beleive. I dont want to set false standards or ideas because of the way I live my life.