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Motherhood, Faith and Letting Go of Perfect: Meet Jana Spooner

Blog by: momq

Sometimes, less can be more. We just can’t get our kids to every activity, buy all the latest trends, keep the house spotless, and keep everyone happy all the time. Something has to give. Stepping back from all the expectations and spending low-key, offline, simple quality time together can help us reframe what “enough” really means for our family.

A monthly spotlight to celebrate real motherhood, anchored in grace.

Meet Our Featured Mom:

Name: Jana Spooner

City/State: Austin Tx 

Kids’ Names & Ages: Abigail (13), Alanah (11), Ben (3)

‍♀️ Her Story & Calling

How has motherhood shaped your relationship with God?

Since I’ve been a mom, I’m a thousand times more aware of my need for Him. There’s no coasting through motherhood on my own strength. I need His grace and new mercies every morning. 

What part of your identity have you had to rediscover (or release) in this season?

Oh, I had lots of big plans before I had kids. My career for many years was working with events and Christian camps. Ninety days of travel every year wasn’t great for me as a new mom. I also had big plans to be a songwriter and travel as a worship leader. Those are great plans. But, through motherhood, God called me into a sacred place where I knew my time was precious, and my kids needed more of it. We have such a short amount of time with them before they leave home. So, I’ve released a lot of my own plans over the years. I don’t regret it. And I’ve found that as my kids get older, God is redeeming some of those plans and giving me creative ways to use gifts and interests I thought I had put aside a long time ago.

Is there a Scripture that’s grounding you right now?

“ Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.  (James1:19 CSB) 

️Faith in the Everyday

What does quiet time look like for you lately? Messy, sacred, or both?

My husband and I start every morning with Bible reading and prayer (and coffee) in our living room before our older kids wake up. These days, I often have a groggy toddler lying on my lap, offering to “help” me read my Bible. It’s a sacred place that feels a little messy too.

How do you see God show up in the ordinary moments of your day?

Every time I see a little moment of growth in one of my kids, I see God’s hand and grace. When a kid responds to a situation with kindness when they would normally respond with anger, I see God’s work in their lives.

What prayer have you been praying most often?

For my kids, I pray for kindness a lot. It’s a cruel world, and I want them to stand out as people who are kind and display Christ’s love. For myself, I pray for patience and grace. When I’m tempted to be short with my kids or frustrated with them, I ask the Lord to remind me of His infinite grace for me.

Grace Over Perfection

When was a recent moment you had to give yourself (or your kids) grace?

 When one of them left homework at home for the third time in a week. I didn’t say it, but my thought was: Why can’t you get it together? I reminded you ten times. But the Lord knows I don’t have it all together. I’m not leaving homework at home, but I forget to be kind, I forget to follow through on things I said I would do, and I forget to trust God. He never runs out of grace.

What would you say to the mom who feels like she’s not doing enough?

Sometimes, less can be more. We just can’t get our kids to every activity, buy all the latest trends, keep the house spotless, and keep everyone happy all the time. Something has to give. Stepping back from all the expectations and spending low-key, offline, simple quality time together can help us reframe what “enough” really means for our family.

What’s something God is gently teaching you right now?

That parenting is a long game. When I don’t see immediate change or the results I want, I’m reminded that my job as a parent is to help my kids grow into adults who love Jesus and love others. I can’t force good behavior or character. They learn it over time, through repetition, love, grace, and encouragement. It’s a long process. For me, too! It’s sanctification, and we’re just never done with it until we get to heaven.

Wisdom & Legacy

What do you want your children to remember most about you?

I want them to remember that they were safe and loved. Even if they didn’t agree with all my rules and thought other moms were a little cooler than me (I agree), I want them to know without a doubt that home was always a place where they belonged and received unconditional love.

What’s one truth you return to when things feel heavy?

“Grace. To me, it’s what everything else hinges on.


Finish this sentence:  “Being a mom with faith means…

Trusting that God has a purpose and plan for each one of my kids.

 

 

 

At MomQ we believe that motherhood is a calling from God. While it is both a privilege and an honor, it is by no means easy! Moms have a lot of questions/concerns and need caring support along their journey. Whether you are a brand new mom or a little more seasoned, MomQ is here to help you fulfill your God given role. Don’t see a group in your area? Contact us today about starting one in your community!

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