It's the day after Mother's Day, and I have to admit that I didn't want to write this post. I wanted to describe this glorious weekend that my family planned...they literally kidnapped me and spoiled me rotten. It was amazing. They conspired, planned and implemented so many surprises...AND they kept it a secret from me for weeks. Five kids KEPT a secret? That alone is worthy of an Oscar. And, I am so proud.
But, if I was in your shoes, I might be a little mad at my husband or children...but there's no need. I've had 15 other Mother's Days that didn't always make me feel special or loved or appreciated. And, keep this part to yourselves..it was mainly MY fault...unrealistic expectations, a sense of entitlement, etc. But, is THAT the point of Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is one day out of 365 that is set aside to make us feel like we are doing a good job. Our kids are fed (albeit cereal or crackers sometimes), bathed (occasionally), dressed (most days) and alive (for now). Shouldn't we be elevated for at least 24 hours?
I don't know about you, but I often feel like a failure as a mom. If I read many blogs or look at Pinterest or Facebook for very long, I can pretty much confirm that I don't measure up. And, here's a little look into the real world at my house...
-There is NO glitter inside these walls. And, there will not be.
-Recently (at a kindergarten graduation practice), one of the moms announced, "And now it's time to do our craft!" Zeke looked me square in they eyes and said, "What's a craft?" I'm just not crafty people, and I cannot connect creativity to anything worthwhile around here.
-I do NOT do most of the cooking here. In fact, I usually only cook when JT is out of town. And, I am not a good cook at all. My girls outcook me any day. As does Jett.
-I get easily frustrated...E-A-S-I-L-Y! I find myself expecting way too much from others and little from myself.
-I get disappointed QUICKLY! And I great dislike that about myself.
-I am always looking for the NEXT thing instead of enjoying this moment. I wish I was like my friend Greta who truly lives in each second. She appreciates and loves life in a glorious way.
-I am jealous of others. I envy my friends...Angel's wisdom, Angelia's creativeness, Susie's sense of style, Carol's encouragement, Karen's compassion, Lora's easy going-ness, Susan's sweetness, Greta's patience, Becca's sacrificial heart, and so many more.
-I am self-centered.
-I yell at my kids.
-I dishonor my husband.
-I am lazy.
Uuuggh, there are just so many things that I can list that clearly show me as a less-than-stellar mom. BUT GOD...those are my favorite two words in the Bible (cf Genesis 15:20, Psalm 73:26, Acts 2:24, Romans 5:8)...BUT GOD
-has given me sufficient grace for each day
-provides new mercies every morning
-shows me my depravity and forgives my sins
-loves me and my children unconditionally
-gifts me days to start over and try again
And, I am one thankful momma. I mess up EVERY day. I fail the Lord, my husband, my children and my friends...often. But, He is faithful even when I am faithless. And, my heart overflows with love for the Father.
Happy Day after Mother's Day my friends...it's a new day to live in a way that brings Him great glory. Let's get started.
3 comments:
Hugs, Mama.
Oh my friend, we are all in the same stinkin' boat! Rejoicing in new mercies and His great grace to keep us from sinking!
I'm new to the blogging world, but I will definitely be following you from now on! Well written, and refreshingly blunt. I think most of us go through feeling like a failure as Moms, but we have to remember that the Good Lord has our backs :)
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