Getting through these Crazy Days

Life is funny. I remember sitting in my college classes dreaming of the day I would be married with kids. Being a mom seemed like the best job, at least that’s the way my mind imagined it. Thoughts of amazingly behaved kids with spotless clothes, giving me lots of hugs and kisses, never fussing or whining, listening to every word I say… you get the picture.

Well, here I am. Married with a kid, watching my 3 nephews and niece on a daily basis, dreaming of the days I was in college with no real responsibilities. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE being a mom. It’s so rewarding. But man, these hours are long.

All 4 kids are at the age where they constantly need me. A diaper change, a bottle, a snack, direction, a consequence, a toy, help trying to go potty, and as soon as I sit down… it’s lunch time. That’s my life these days. It’s the life I always dreamed of especially when I remember what God’s promises are. I’ve learned my mind has to be focused on God’s calling for my life. He hasn’t given up on me even though I have made the same mistakes over and over and over again. Why should I get frustrated and angry at the kids?

Today was one of those days where Willow was pushing all of the boundaries. She knows that she is not allowed in the kitchen cabinets, so when I am not looking she likes to run over to them and put her toys in them. It seems as if it is going to be a never ending battle.

The dishwasher is also a “no touch” item due to the fact that Willow would crawl up on the door and probably find a knife or something to try and suck on. I was unloading the dishwasher today expecting to have to give a few consequences because of the way the morning had already been going. Willow’s tiny little pitter-patter got louder as she rounded the corner to the kitchen, I braced myself for what was to come. And you know what? The girl ran right by the open dishwasher without even thinking twice. At that moment I was reminded that all my hard work DOES matter. It was a tiny glimpse of God’s promises. And that was good enough for me.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.