When was the last time you threw something in anger?
How about a bloody foreskin? Yes, that’s right. While writing The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World, Moses’ wife, Zipporah jumped off the pages of the Bible as the poster mom for my chapter on “Angry and Confused or Of a Sound Mind.”
WHAT drove this otherwise apparently sane woman to grab a knife, circumcise her son, and throw the foreskin at Moses? Well, it helps if you read the whole story. You can find it in Exodus 4. Bottom line, she apparently wasn’t on board with God calling Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. The unfortunate thing is, as Herbert Lockyer notes in All of the Women of the Bible, “She disappears without comment from the history of the Jewish people in which her husband figured so prominently. ‘Neither as the wife of her husband nor as the mother of her children did she leave behind her a legacy of spiritual riches.'” Zipporah will forever remain the angry woman who threw her son’s foreskin at Moses’ feet and hissed, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” That’s the image. Those are her only recorded words. (The Plan A Mom in a Plan B World, page 196)
If you don’t want to go down in history as an angry and confused mom, consider the following FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO MELTDOWNS:
1. Marrying Someone You Don’t Respect
When we marry, we enter into a one-body covenant with the other person. It is a physical union, but also a spiritual union. Zipporah was not on board with what God was doing in Moses’ life. Has God called your husband to a new career? Is He leading Him into the ministry? Are you throwing things or praying? You and your children will benefit more from your prayers than your crossed arms.
2. Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Being overbooked and over spent (physically, emotionally, and financially) takes a toll on us. Something has to give and it usually isn’t pretty. If you feel like you’re about to “blow,” take five. Go in the bathroom and lock the door. Get on your knees. Have a good cry. Talk to God. Ask Him, “what’s wrong?” Then, most importantly, listen to what He prompts in your mind and do it.
3. Not Caring Properly for Our Bodies
I could be the poster child for this one. When our kids were little I could easily drink 12 cups of coffee a day. At least that’s what I remember. But then, again, between the sleep deprivation and being over caffeinated, I could be wrong. Bottom line, I tried to be the perfect mom and it just isn’t possible. I didn’t take good care of myself. I’ve learned how important that is. I hope you’re a faster learner than me. 🙂
4. Expecting Perfection
This ties in with Meltdown Causes 1-3. Demands on ourselves, children, spouse, and others to be perfect is going to end in disappointment. Try to interject a little humor into your day. Hum a little praise when your work. Take a picture of your child with lipstick all over her face instead of blow up. We’re all in process and a little grace goes a long way.
5. Too Much Stuff
Age has many benefits and learning that if I buy something, that means I’ll have to clean it, wash it, store it, or sort it is a good mental check. If you really don’t need it, maybe pass by it. That extra cash might come in handy when the flu season hits and the doctor bills are piling up.
6. Disorganization
Not being able to find your keys, find the bill, find the milk (uh oh – that’s not a good one to misplace) is a bummer. We typically need those things WHEN we’re ready to use them. And, of course, this melt down prompt ties in with “Too Much Stuff.”
November is a good time of year to “cull,” as my mama used to say. Throw away the spring lipgloss you hate and is all gooey. Combine bottles of half used hand sanitizer. Clean out the sock drawers and throw away mismatches or put them in your rag bag for cleaning day. While you’re at it, throw away the unidentifiable food in the back of the freezer. You know you’re not going to eat it.
Mommy meltdowns are going to happen. They just are. BUT, if we can prevent a few, our family will thank us.
What helps you avoid mommy meltdowns?
Father, thank You that You not only saved me, but also prepared good works for me to do. Help me to walk in those works and say no to things that contribute to undue stress. Help me model a balanced life for my children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
READ MORE by Debbie Taylor Williams: * Marriage & Parenting Tips * The PLAN A MOM in a PLAN B WORLD. JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER too!
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