This morning as I scrolled quickly through my Facebook newsfeed while guzzling lukewarm coffee I came across a post from a harried mom. She described the reality of fleeting time, quickly growing children, and constant responsibility consuming more of her energy than she desired it to.
You’re not alone, Momma, I thought.
Then I thought of it no more. I didn’t have time to think; I was too busy.
I hurried through a bath for me, and a bath for the kids.
I quickly fed all the empty bellies. Doggy included.
I rushed through a homeschool lesson, something I didn’t like to do, but I felt helpless to do otherwise.
A full plate, a full day, a full to-do list. That’s what I had. I prayed, Lord, help me manage my time effectively today. Oh, and not yell at the children. Too much.
Yet we still raced out of the house, running late. I suppose that’s the only way we know how to run. I had to turn around for a forgotten, yet detrimental item, and in my haste to make up time I got pulled over for speeding.
The library books were overdue, and on the table by the back door they still sat.
After the first stop I realized I had to turn back around, a second time, to retrieve another forgotten item. And for the billionth time just today I felt like a brain dead loser.
You’re not alone, Momma.
You’re not alone in forgetting the important things.
You’re not alone in running late.
You’re not alone in your messy kitchen, complete with a sink full of dishes, and a terribly sticky floor.
You’re not alone in a feeling of defeat, one where your to-do list looms and errands are never-ending.
You’re not alone in your disbelief that your children get taller every day, or that they’ve outgrown their shoes again.
You’re not alone in your feelings of self-loathing for losing your patience and yelling too long.
You’re not alone in your fatigue, your frustrations, and especially not your depression or certainty that you’re messing up royally.
You’re not alone in that basket of laundry that never gets done, or the stack of projects you desire to do, but never seem to complete. My Pinterest board remains full and untouched also.
Today I dropped one child off with my husband, and I took the older one along as I rushed to complete some errands that simply couldn’t wait. It seemed like a horrible, busy day of tasks to me, but as I walked hurriedly through the parking lot with my child she stated, “I love spending time with you, Mom!”
She was seeing more than simply what we had to get done. She was able to see what we were accomplishing. We were spending time together. It didn’t have to be something painstakingly planned or Pinterest-put-together. It just had to be us.
You’re not alone, Momma.
You’re not alone in your struggles, you’re not alone in life. To someone you’re loved, you’re a hero, and you have it all together.
It’s not easy being a super mom, but to your children you are indeed pretty super. Full sink, dirty floor, messy hair and all. They don’t mind turning around to go back home for something forgotten as long as it’s with you.
Time does go by quickly, about that I have no doubt. Children grow taller, laundry doesn’t end, and I’m always adding more to my list of things to do. The truth is we’re all just struggling to get by some days. But the important part is to remember to also enjoy it along the way.
Plus it helps to be reminded that you’re not alone in all this. You’re not alone at all.