When my children were very small I had this nasty habit of withdrawing into myself when things really got tough. I was convinced I was alone in my struggles – my inner voice telling me just what a terrible mom I was (a.k.a. my “inner ‘You Stink’ voice.”
I am alone when my almost-four-year-old is wetting his pants. On purpose.
I am alone as I daily carry a screaming child across the preschool parking lot in front of hundreds of other calm, well-behaved and quiet children and their parents.
I am alone when my kids are prancing around the house naked, and we were supposed to be pulling out of the driveway 10 minutes ago.
I am alone with the tantrums, and the battles of wills, and the sheer madness of it all.
The thing is…I was never really alone. I know you are out there. You all have your own stories – of boys and girls alike – strong-willed, stubborn little beings who are making us ask ourselves “shouldn’t we have just gotten a dog?!”
You are super moms. We are super moms. My friend Chandra keeps reminding me…it was no accident that I became their mother.
God does not make mistakes.
We can do this. We were chosen. We were chosen to be the mothers of these hoooligans, and mother them we will, come hell or high water or pee on the floor.
We can do this. We must.
Because we’re in this together.
When my kids really perform outside the box, I reward them with a gummy bear. I think mommies should get a reward from time to time, don’t you? For those nine times in a row that we did NOT lose our cool as we were sassed by our kids, or for remaining dispassionate in the face of their fury, or for doing four loads of laundry in one night. We need a reward system, too! Gummies don’t do anything for me though – I vote for chocolate…chocolate kisses!
Now’s your chance! Shout it out, friends. Tell us how you withstood the test today, mothered and loved and overcame obstacles and tuna fish in the hair, peanut butter on the dining room chairs, or water fights in the bathroom. Let’s show each other that we are not alone.
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11 The Message
No matter how bad your day has been, God knows just how much you can handle. When it seems too big, step away for a moment and let God remind you that He has everything you need. His plans for you – and for your kids – are bigger and greater than anything you can possibly imagine. But most importantly, remember this: You are not alone!
Now, let’s prove it. Share your triumphs today, let us celebrate each other, and go give yourself a chocolate kiss! We’re all in this together.
by Adelle Gabrielson
Trying to live life with a little peace,
a little humor, and great shoes!
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