I think being a mom is truly one of the most amazing jobs in the world! There are so many different aspects of it that I could dig into but I will try to stick with just a couple for this post. I look forward to writing about the awe I have at watching my children learn, or perhaps how proud I am when I see them choose to do the right thing. I also will enjoy eventually talking about the amazing (yet painful) adventure of having a baby. There are a multitude of things I could cover.
However, today I find my self in a certain place I like to call:
GOD PLEASE HELP ME NOT _______ (insert whatever word fits best for you) MY KIDS!!!!
~ Please note this is always a sincere request, and is in no way meant to dishonor the Lord :)
So for this post I would like to say...
To laugh? Or to cry? That is the question.
Whenever possible I prefer to laugh. Don't you? Here is something I watched today to help me laugh, maybe it will help you in a moment of frustration too. :)
I particularly like this anthem, it is always good to have a laugh to lift the tension of some of our daily struggles, because if you don't let it out when you want to, it might explode out of you when you don't want it to. Sound familiar? It does for me.
Sometimes, I struggle with the constant that is raising three boys. They are so very different from me, they eat, what seems like all the time. Moreover since they have a few years between each of them, it seems at least one of them is always in the state of a growth spurt. Daddy has helped them acquire their "battle box" filled with Nerf weapons. They have swords, long swords, maces, axes, and a number of Nerf dart guns. But of coarse who am I kidding? These are Daddies toys too. :) While I do think this is awesome, let me ask you, have you ever been smacked in the head with a very firm two inch piece of foam repeatedly? We quickly incorporated the rule if your opponent has no sword you may not attack. This seems to help....mostly.
Oh! and of coarse lets not forget the forever fun game of "Dog Pile". It used to be more of a little tickle wrestling match on the floor. Really I have always been able to get into that one, but they are getting bigger. What was once a fun playtime has began to turn into WWF style body slams. It's amazing the weight and and impact a 2, 4, and 7 year old can have on the body. I've started to "regretfully" decline this activity and now leave it to their father who was so happy to instigate it.
Like any children, mine will sometimes argue. Since there is also a toddler involved (with limited vocabulary due to his age) this arguing can frequently be followed by fussing/crying/screaming because one of his brothers dared to tell him no or take away one of his toys. I find my self yelling just to be heard over the noise. I hate yelling. It's a loss of control. No control means chaos will ensue and no one wants that!
I am the type of person that can handle noise and bickering for only so long before it fries my circuits. Like any normal mother I love and adore my children. I would die for them. One thing I have learned though is that I have to find a balance. As much as I love being Mom I also have to be just ME. I am blessed with a husband who understands this and frequently does things to help balance the load. It is an honor and blessing to be "help mate" to my husband.
In times of frustration I feel like I am not accomplishing anything. That there is no value to what I do and how maybe I could get (as some like to say) a "real job". (And let me say that the only difference between me and a Teacher, Care Giver, Seamstress, Cook, Chauffeur, House Cleaner, Entertainer, Launderer, and Mediator, is that they get paid money and social security and I don't.) While the knowledge that I am actually contributing to society by working to bring up honorable, respectful, kind, hard working, and loving men of integrity is its own reward, it simply is not a strong enough concept to get me through the days trials.
I don't know where I would be without Jesus Christ to lean on daily. There is an awesome song I like to listen to called Do Everything by Stephen Curtis Chapman. When I find my self struggling with my boys or losing my patience or feeling as if I am banging my head against a wall and getting no where. I strive to look to the Lord and some of the following scriptures.
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
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
As for many situations in life when I start to feel moody, discontent, unthankful or perhaps simply lose sight of my real purpose, it's words from verses like Colossians 1:10-12 that renew my strength. I am reminded by all these verses that the things I do are not ultimately for me, my sons, or any other person. Every thing and every thought should glorify the Lord and if I find that my actions, words, and thoughts are becoming short, angry, or unkind I need to reevaluate my heart and look to the Lord and ask Him for forgiveness. I need to ask for a fresh anointing each day by the Holy Spirit that I may glorify Him in all I do.
"...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12
So overall yes there are times I do cry instead of laugh. There are times when I forget to pick up my Bible or just pray. I get overwhelmed, annoyed and tired and break down for a good cry to release some of the pressure of being "Mom!!!" But when it's over God is good, and in the quiet moments as I dry my tears I feel his presence in my heart and am so gently and thankfully reminded that He is with me. He knows my struggles and wants to and has carried the burden of them for me. I know the joy of the Lord, and it is that joy that gets me through my "Oh God help me!" moments.
I hope this post is of some help to you. I pray if you are a mom struggling with just being a mom (like we all do) that this has encouraged you and that the Lord will lift you up today, strengthen you and bring you peace.
Sincerly,
The Shepherds Daughter
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