Don’t Spin Out: a mom’s guide to staying centered
Have you ever watched a potter work at their wheel? It’s mesmerizing. The way the clay spins, the water flows, and the hands mold—there’s something almost sacred about it. All though, I’ve never worked clay on a wheel, I love watching a potter work on a wheel. But I’ve noticed, there’s one key element that makes it all work: the clay has to be centered.
If the potter places the lump of clay even a little off-center, the whole process becomes chaotic. Sure, the wheel still spins, but instead of forming something beautiful, the clay wobbles, flops, and eventually flies off altogether. But when it’s centered—right in the middle—it spins smoothly. It responds to the Potter’s touch. It becomes something new and useful and beautiful.
And that, dear moms, is exactly how our lives work too.
Centered in Christ
Before we are moms, we are daughters. Daughters of the Most High. And the center of our lives can’t be our to-do lists, our kids’ behavior, our schedules, or even our hopes and dreams. If Christ is not at the center, everything else will eventually start to wobble.
Jesus said in John 15:5,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
That verse doesn’t say we’ll do less without Him—it says we can do nothing. That means even our best parenting efforts fall flat if we aren’t anchored in Him first.
What It Looks Like to Be Off-Center
We’ve all had those days. You know the ones.
You wake up late, skip your quiet time, and before you’ve even had coffee, someone’s spilled cereal, the toddler’s throwing a fit, and you’re already finding yourself loosing your cool.
You scroll social media for five minutes and spiral into comparison, wondering why you’re the only one whose house looks like a tornado hit it.
You try to hold everything together on your own strength—running, serving, striving—but inside, you’re anxious, impatient, or flat-out exhausted.
These are signs we’re off-center. We’re on the wheel, but we’re sliding and spinning out of control. And just like the clay, if we don’t get re-centered, we risk burnout. We risk breaking under the pressure.
The beautiful I’ve seen is, the Potter working the wheel doesn’t give up on the clay.
Isaiah 64:8 reminds us,
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
God doesn't need us to come perfectly shaped. He just needs us on the wheel, in His hands, and willing to be centered on Him. That means starting our days with prayer, even if it’s just a whispered “Help me, Lord,” over the sink. It means opening our Bibles when the baby naps instead of diving straight into chores. It means inviting Jesus into the mess and the mundane.
Sweet mom, if you feel like you’re sliding off the wheel today—know this: you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, yes, but you don’t have to stay there.
Psalm 46:5 says,
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
You don’t need to center yourself. You need to let God center you. He is gentle. He is patient. And He knows exactly how to shape you into the kind of mom your children need—not perfect, but present and anchored in Him. So, the question then is, how do we stay centered as busy moms? well, let’s break it down and talk about some practical ways we can achieve this in todays world.
13 Practical Steps to Stay Centered in Christ as a Mom [real and sustainable ways]
Start small with Scripture – One verse a day can refocus your mind and heart. Tape it to the fridge, mirror, or above the changing table.
Talk to God all day – It doesn’t have to be formal. Prayer while folding laundry counts- just keep the conversation going—He hears your whisper prayers.
Worship while you work – Music is powerful, let it shift the atmosphere in your home. Let praise replace pressure.
Rest without guilt – Jesus napped in a boat, you can nap too :) A rested mom is a more patient, joyful mom.
Stay in community – Surround yourself with other moms who can speak truth, pray with you, and remind you you’re not alone.
Keep a gratitude list – Even in chaos, write down three things you're thankful for each day. Gratitude shifts your focus to God’s goodness.
Memorize short Scripture with your kids – Hide God’s Word in your heart together. Use car rides or mealtime to say verses aloud.
Fast from the scroll – Take a break from social media when you feel comparison, anxiety, or distraction creeping in. Re-center by reading truth instead.
Ask for help—spiritually and practically – Sometimes, staying centered means admitting you need a break, prayer, or even a babysitter. God didn’t design you to do it all alone.
Speak Scripture out loud over your home – Declare God’s promises over your family and home. Words carry power—especially His.
Use reminders and alarms – Set a reminder on your phone that says “Take a deep breath. Center on Jesus.” It sounds simple, but it works.
Journal honestly before God – Even five minutes of raw, real journaling with God can bring clarity and peace.
Remember you're loved, not just needed – Your identity is not “just a mom.” You’re a beloved daughter first. Parenting flows from that truth.
As moms, being centered in Christ is not just helpful—it’s essential. When He’s at the center, we become steady, flexible, and able to respond to the pressures of life without breaking. He becomes our source of peace, wisdom, patience, and joy—even in the chaos.
So today, before you respond to the next meltdown or dive into another task, pause and ask:
“Lord, center me in You.”
And trust that the Potter is at work.