Articles
When You Don’t Feel Grateful as a Mom or Wife
Do you struggle with enjoying being a mom? Read a guest post from author Arlene Pellicane and enter for a chance to win a copy of her new book on motherhood!

A few summers ago, my family was visiting the Virginia War Museum. Ethan, my 6th grade history buff exclaimed, “Look mom! It’s the Gratitude Train!”
This Gratitude Train was given to the U.S. by the French filled with gifts to say thank you for sending aid in World War I. Ethan had seen a photo of the Gratitude Train in a magazine and now he was seeing it with his own eyes.
Standing there looking at the train with Ethan, I realized how beautiful it would be to have a home with a gratitude train running steadily through it.
A constant flow of thanks running between spouses.
Between parents and children.
And dare I say, even between siblings.
I must admit in the midst of shouts of “Mommy, come here!” and “Mommy, I need help!” I can feel more like grumbling than giving thanks.
But for years, I dreamt of being a mom. I was looking at motherhood in magazines, not in real life. It’s good to remember those days, so I can be thankful for these days.
Maybe you dreamt of being a spouse, and now you’ve been married a few years. The gloss of first love has rubbed off a bit. It’s time to step back on to the Gratitude Train.
1 Peter 4:9-10 says, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
It’s time to exchange grumbling for gratitude. Pour milk with a smile for your toddler. Help with the laundry without feeling like a slave. Kiss your husband and squeeze his hand. Open your heart and let God pour joy into it.
All aboard the Gratitude Train!
Win a Copy of Arlene’s New Book on Becoming a Happy Mom!
Watch the Official Trailer for the Book
Free Gifts When You Order Arlene’s Book by August 10th
When you order 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom through August 10, Arlene has three bonus gifts to help you as a mom. Learn more at Arlene’s site.
- Faith7 years ago
When Doing Justly, Loving Mercy, and Walking Humbly Stand at Odds
- Motherhood7 years ago
Surviving a Strong-Willed Child
- Faith8 years ago
7 Ways to Create A Family Altar
- Relationships3 years ago
5 Ways to Teach Your Child to Hear God
- Friendship9 years ago
Beyond the Registry: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Expectant Parents
- Everyday Faith3 years ago
6 Simple Ways to Give Thanks in the Thick of It
- Marriage9 years ago
4 Reasons I’m Not Facebook Friends With My Husband
- Articles9 years ago
10 Ways Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
- Articles10 years ago
How to Lift Up the One You Love
- Articles9 years ago
Warrior Mama
- Digging Into Scripture4 years ago
How the Psalms Speak to Our Emotions
- Articles12 years ago
June Cleaver Syndrome