By Jaimie Ramsey, Contributing Writer

Dear homemaker: Whatever shoes you fill, this is for you.

The perfect homemaker does not exist.

The “perfect homemaker” is a myth. There’s no one who can keep a spotless house, decorated like something from “Better Homes and Gardens,” put gourmet meals on the table three times a day, have consistently well-behaved, obedient and angelic children, and still have time and energy to be a loving, romantic, and devoted wife. You simply can’t do it all.

But that’s okay! No one person can do everything perfectly. Maybe the dishes pile up while you take time to nurse the baby and then homeschool your older children. Maybe vacuuming and dusting are set aside to have time to visit the library. Maybe the laundry goes unfolded while you sneak to your room with your husband for some well-deserved alone time.

And remember that our salvation is not contingent upon our good works. We are not perfect; that is why we are saved by grace.

Focus on the most important things.

Your priorities, and your family’s, are not going to be the same as your neighbor’s or your sister’s or your best friend’s. Focus on what’s most important for you and your family. What do they need most? What do they want most?

Chances are your kids are more interested in you spending time with them than they are in eating a fancy breakfast every day. Your husband most likely would rather have a wife who’s ready to be with him in the evenings than perfectly pressed pants and shined shoes. And when friends or family come to your house, they’re going to be focusing on you and your family, not your toilet that could use scrubbing.

What’s important to you? That your family is healthy, well-fed, and clothed? Then focus on making nutritious (but not necessarily fancy) meals, keeping the house relatively clean, and mostly keeping up with laundry. Have your husband, your older children, or a friend help you if necessary, so that you can keep your priorities in order.

Do not compare.

Pinterest and Facebook can be dangerous for wives, mothers and homemakers. We naturally share the best sides of ourselves on social media, and Pinterest can be even more dangerous because we’re sharing photos from magazines or lifestyle bloggers who have the time and money to make their homes, food, and clothes look absolutely perfect. Don’t get caught in the trap of comparison.

Remember that no one is perfect, not even the bloggers and writers who seem to have it all together (trust me, we don’t). My marriage is amazing but not perfect. My house is a comfortable home but, at the moment, dusty and in need of vacuuming, and my bathroom needs to be cleaned. The meals I make are generally not photo-worthy.

It’s okay if your house isn’t like the ones in the pictures, or if your marriage and parenting are different than the ones you read about. Unique is good! Different does not mean wrong or bad. Don’t forget that.

What you can do, do as well as you can.

Don’t try to do it all. But do your very best at the things you do do.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Remember who you’re serving: your family, and through them, you’re serving God. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Finally, remember where you get the strength for your work and your life: Jesus Christ himself.

“I can do everything through [Christ] who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13