I’m a complete and utter mess. It’s 6:00pm on a school night and the baby is in hysterics because she’s hungry. I’m trying to make a meal that is way too elaborate for being “solo parent” while my husband is off at a soccer game for the evening, but it’s what’s on the menu and it’s what keeps us on budget. I’ve got one kid sassing off about not being able to bring an outside truck inside. I’ve got another kid who needs help with math homework. I’ve got a guy at my door telling me his company would love to inspect my roof. All the while, the baby is still screaming. I’m being pulled in every direction imaginable. I’ve had it! I break down and have a mom-splosion right then and there. There’s screaming, from me this time, and I can picture how I must look to my kids. I’ve just emotionally scarred each of my four children for life in that one tense, stress-filled moment.
Am I cut out for this job? For this immense responsibility? Am I strong enough and smart enough to raise these tiny humans? Do have the right qualifications for this job?
I’m a mess, but then I breathe. I breathe in the graceful smell of the lilacs my youngest son and I cut from the bushes earlier that evening, so that he could have something for show and tell the next day. I breathe in grace, snuggling the baby as she reaches up to gently touch my face as I feed her. And again I breath in grace as I receive a sweet, undeserved hug from my oldest son, for no reason at all other than to let me know that what just happened is ok and forgiven. I’m reminded that this was one small moment of weakness. That there is hope and grace for better moments to come.
I’m a mess, but I’m a mess full of grace. One day at a time. One breath at a time.
Mommas, we’re all in this together. We’re not perfect, but WE ARE PERFECTLY MADE for the children that God has blessed us with. That other mom that looks like she has it together, she doesn’t. She has struggles too. We just need to lift each other up and encourage each other instead of comparing and feeling shame for what we’re not. Embrace the mom that you were made to be. We don’t have to do all the things. Do what makes you and your families thrive, even if it’s the bare minimum.
Happy Mother’s Day my sweet friends. You are beautiful, you are amazing, and you’re doing a wonderful job!
