This one is for all the moms, and to those who plan to be a mother one day. All you amazing ladies, listen closely! I want these words to be heard, and not just casually read as you glance through this blog.
LISTEN UP! (did I get your attention yet?)
I've noticed a recurring theme while talking to other women lately, mom and non-mom alike. We look around and wonder "how does she do it?"... "how does she find the time?".... "why does she make it look so easy?" Or somewhere along the way, after coming up for air under the sea of laundry and dirty dishes, we wonder, "when will I get to do those things that I love again?"
You see, we women constantly seek acceptance for the things we do, and often believe we don't measure up. Even if our spouses are encouraging us and making us feel like the best mother in the world, we can still fall into the trap of self-doubt. We then spend what little spare time we have, trying to look like we have it all together.
The truth?
Whether we look like we do or not...
NO ONE HAS IT ALL TOGETHER.
Sure, there are days when my 3 kids shockingly express gratitude for being siblings, I kill it at the office (or at least believe that I do), and some how manage homework and my husbands tour schedule like a boss! I am woman, hear me roar!
If I am being completely honest though, most days I forget the kids are on Fall Break for an ENTIRE WEEK, dinner is leftovers... again, and homework takes much longer than it should because one child is struggling with reading while the other needs help with math.
Then I call my sister and am reminded that her days are just like mine. They may look different, but we are both parents on this amazing journey together.
It's in these moments that God reminds me how good He is. When I put my trust in Him, He gives me everything I need to be the mother I desire to be. He gives me patience when I'm lacking it and strength when mine has run out.
There will be a season when bottles and diapers are your routine. And it will feel like you may never sleep soundly through the night again. Embrace it! Become the best diaper changer EVER! It won't last long. You'll quickly go from diapers to homework, and from bubble baths to stepping over army men on the shower floor. As you become a pro at multi-tasking, get back to doing those things you enjoy!
Becoming a parent doesn't mean we give up on our dreams either. It's okay to put them on pause, but don't forget to hit un-pause!
When my youngest daughter turned one year old I decided to get back into running. I signed up for my first post-babies half marathon and then panicked! What did I just do? I had no time to fit training for a marathon into my already overloaded schedule. But I changed my mindset and made it a priority to find the time.
There were many Saturdays when I had to ask the babysitter to watch my kids so I could sneak out, in the wee hours of the morning, and complete my long runs with the team. I often felt guilty for spending money on a sitter. Guilty for not being home when the kids woke up. And guilty that I was taking a time out, for me.
I've learned that as a mother, that guilt will always be there. It's in our mamma DNA to care about our children and their well being. But we also can't forget about ourself. God has taught me, in only the way He can, that I am a better mother and wife when I take time to care for myself.
From one mom to another, you are doing great. Enjoy the blessing of parenthood. And know that when I wave at you from across the aisle at the grocery store, with my hair in a bun and a child on my leg... I'm loving every wild, not all put together, moment. :)
