So you've learned a lot since becoming a mom, aye? Like the fact that super heroes are real, not because you see them on your children's favorite movies but because you realize that YOU are a super hero. And maybe even more shocking than that (because it's non seen in the movies) is the truth that using all those super hero powers is down right exhausting. I'm right there with ya!
My husband was watching a women's Bible study with me and noticed the leader kept saying "Girlfriend" this "Girlfriend" that. After hearing her a few times he said "So I guess when women say "Girlfriend" that like the rally cry for girl power?" LOL Nailed it!
That is why I'm saying to you, Rally towels up...GIRLFRIEND! I know you haven't slept since before the birth of your child(ren), I know you probably haven't washed your hair this week, or done your make up, or finished eating an entire meal, or had an adult conversation without interruption or even went tinkle without interruption for that matter.
If you're like me you've been trying to keep your 1 year old from doing flips off the couch, riding the dogs, eating the dog food, flushing your tooth brush down the toilet, pouring uncooked oatmeal all over her and the dogs. You may be getting a few hours of sleep in half hour intervals while your baby is finally so milk wasted that you can peel her off your chest to lay her down beside you. Until she realizes she isn't laying on top of you and pops up like a little jack-in-the box looking at you like "Really Mom? Not happening."
Yeah- yeah, I'm aware that I don't have to let my daughter co sleep with us or still nurse her at 13 months BUT it's what I think is best for her right now and we can all agree that back flips are worth doing if it's what is best for them right? And honestly, even when she is sleeping peacefully next to me I guess I'm so used to not sleeping that I can't sleep. I lay there and think of all the things I want to protect her from, I pray, and sometimes I take the risk of reaching for my phone to write.
I remember in college when we had 2 a days for basketball I didn't think I could get any more tired. Or after college when I would work 9 hour days at Fashion Week in 5inch heels and think I couldn't possibly do it another day. But my stay-at-home mom status takes the cake on all of that!
You may even be in a similar situation to me as an expat mom in a country far away from family and friends so you literally get no break. Let me stop and say for the record, this post is NOT meant to fire shots at dads, they have an admirable skill set that we don't! You know, like sleeping through the night. I kid, I kid :)
My husband is a very involved father and I appreciate him so much but I guess it's just one of those super powers we, as moms only, have that keeps us from really checking out. He will sometimes say "I'll take her in the other room so you can get some rest." And even though I appreciate it, I can't help but to get up and keep being mom.
So, I'm on the job 23/7 and that 24th hour I use to workout which of course is the first thing on the chopping block when days are busy. Let's just say if I was paid for overtime I'd be sittin' pretty! I'm sure you can relate and are thinking "yep, I don't even get sick days."
I know the holidays are coming up which means even more hectic schedules and responsibilities! But let me encourage you. Stop where your at and find the closest piece of your child's clothing laying around (shouldn't be hard) and in the lyrical words of Petey Pablo "come on and raise up, put that shirt up, twist it around you head, spin it like a helicopter." (If you're around age 30, you get it and that made you smile)
When your wrestling your child to put clothes on or brush their teeth, or trying to deter them from falling out like a feinting goat in mall because you won't let them pull everything off the shelves, or playing the gummy bear song for the 1,937,262,734th time remember how they look at you and smile that precious smile and say a new word you've been teaching them or give you one of the sweetest kisses there could ever be.
And when you're at your weakest remember that you have God-given super powers, the Bible says so.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
See, we are made super heroes each day through God's grace alone. This means we don't have to pretend we have it all together, or that we aren't exhausted or stressed at times, we just have to remember where our power comes from-Jesus. He will send us just enough power through grace to get through each moment, just like he did last night when I finished grocery shopping with Jincy while my husband was at practice and she didn't want to ride in the cart. There I was trying to push a cart full of groceries out while trying to keep her in my arms as she struggled to get down and chase a stray cat. "How am I going to do this? I thought to myself. Then God answered by sending a sweet lady over to me who said "let me help you" and pushed my cart to the car. Just enough grace to help me finish the task and do it with a thankful heart.
It would also be helpful to pray for and encourage other mothers and keep in mind that your husband's shoes in the middle of the floor doesn't have to be the straw that breaks the camels back, after all there are teddy bears, sippy cups, balls, paper towel rolls, and a hundred other random things scattered in your living room. Smile girlfriend :)
If you're reading this and you don't have children you can help by smiling at us in the store when our child is taking all the groceries out of the cart and dropping them on the floor or be like the nice lady and lend a helping hand.
If you're reading this and you're a dad you can help by just telling Mama that you notice all her hard work and how beautiful it is.
And last but certainly not least, Mom, if you're reading this. Wow, you must have called on Jesus a lot because not only were you an unbelievably awesome mama who went above and beyond 24/7 for me, Ray, and Joe, you were mama to cousins and half of the community! How you took 5+ kids everywhere you went is still beyond me but you always did it with such grace and joy. I hope and pray I can be like you, you saint!
Here are a few recent family photos from our travels to Abu Dhabi & Dubai. I'm beyond thankful to be able to be a "stay-at-home" mom! Special shoutout to my husband who works so hard and takes us along the journey.
World's largest "Teddy Bear" at Doha Airport
Taking some tourist time at thee Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Dubai Aquairum
I feel like you wrote this post JUST for me! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteP.s. Jincy has the best fashion style! Haha
Aw Nivea! Thank you! I felt convicted to write it so of course God had a plan. Big hugs to you and Jincy says thanks ☺️❤️
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