Every parent only wants the best for their children. We know that as they grow older, expenses would increase and it would become harder to afford some fancy things that we can give them. New toys would be lesser in number, as well as vacation time, and even new clothing!

Cassandra Lane, a mother of five, knows exactly how difficult life can be. She is well aware of this financial lesson better than the others. Money can get tight in their family and each of them has to make sacrifices often. Even though they might be short on cash all the time, she knows that loving her children would be the most important thing that she can ever give them.

One day, her confidence in her parenting skills was tested when she saw just how much other children her son’s age has in their lives. Her problems began when she and her son Zeke were waiting to take his high school senior photos. The loving mom shared with Love What Matters Facebook page her realization and her touching conversation with Zeke a few days later. Cassandra shared that earlier that week, they went to get Zeke’s senior yearbook pictures. While on their way, she noticed his hands. She knew too well that they are working hands. She wrote:

“Hands that look familiarly like my dad’s work-stained hands, and like Brandon’s in the early years of our marriage.”

Cassandra told him not to worry about his hands before they will only be doing headshots, but she was wrong. She wrote that as they were sitting in line, waiting for their turn, some kids were in letterman jackets and they have their class rings. She immediately noticed Zeke’s stained hands. She said that she began to tear up questioning herself if she really has given everything a parent should give to their child?

Zeke was working in the heat, 30-40 hours a week during the summer. He never wanted a class ring or even a letterman jacket which some of his classmates have. Unlike other kids, Zeke never got a new car. She explained that the mommy comparison game tells her that she didn’t show him how much love with things. She left her sons’ school feeling bad about herself and how they have raised their son. Cassandra has been reflecting for the last few days and she has been crying a lot. She apologized to Zeke and the boy just laughed at him! Zeke told her:

‘Why are you sorry? Because you’ve taught me to work hard for things I want? Because I know the value of a dollar? Because I’m not going to think that I deserve to have everything I want?’

Cassandra’s sister reminded her that the best things in life aren’t material things. It is relationships. She told her that every shortalls that Cassandra has in her parenting are covered by God’s grace. She is beyond proud of her son! Cassandra is surely not ready for Zeke to grow up, but she definitely thinks he’s well on his way.

She ended her post with this message to all mothers out there:

“So, mama’s, if you’re struggling with the parenting comparison game, just know that God gave you the babies you have because he wanted you, YOU, to be their mama. Not someone else.”