It’s 9:27 p.m. and I’m sitting down to my computer for the first time today, undistracted with a nice hot cup of peppermint tea. We’ll see how long this lasts! As a mom, you know what I mean! I think I got about 3 hours of sleep last night. The 9 month old decided she wasn’t going to sleep. I don’t blame her poor aching body. I’m sure your head feels like it’s about to explode and the pain intense as you cut those sweet little teeth. (We still don’t have any to show for the agony we’ve been through thus far). It’s nights like this I have to just keep my heart lifted to the sky and remember this too shall pass like the blink of an eye and there will come a day when I want to squeeze their cheeks and kiss their forehead and they won’t let me anymore. But man, it’s hard being in the trenches of motherhood. Right? Motherhood is the most challenging yet rewarding journey I’ve yet been on. It’s full of joyful moments and moments where I feel I just don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle it. Thank God for my faith and Jesus walking me through it moment by moment.
As you’ve read in previous posts (if not, click here), this past year has been one that has caused pause in my life, a time of reflection and soul searching. I feel like I’m beginning to find my stride again and appreciating the thankless role of mother and homemaker. It’s finding that place where I don’t have to have a checked off to do list to show for my worth and what I contribute to my family, (although I’ll admit I still love a great big to do list with lines through everything!). I’m finding that place of peace, although I still find myself reflecting on my day and trying to find ways to measure up my contributions to the family. I don’t think it matters that I tally up how many poopy diapers I changed and toddler booties I wiped or how many loads of laundry I completed and put away, although getting to laundry ground zero is such an amazing feat it deserves a celebration!
I’ve been practicing the art of intentionality lately and man, this is hard! Life’s distractions are intense and it’s SO easy to get pulled into a million directions all at once. I find myself irritated and impatient when this happens and then I’m discouraged and frustrated at the end of the day cause the things I had on my list don’t get done, yet I have no one to blame but myself. And the thing that makes me most sad is I’m not the best person for my husband and kids, the ones who are most important to me. I don’t want to look back and wish that I would have FULLY paid attention to their lego tower and their request for me to come sit and play or snuggle.
I MUST continue to make this my word in 2017. INTENTIONAL. May I be INTENTIONAL about my daily tasks, interactions, and routines. Let me not get distracted by the clutter on the counter or the crumbs on the floor….or facebook! May I spend time doing the most important things. And staying LASER BEAM FOC– USED on the things I envision for my family and me! I envision connectedness, communication, meaningful friendships, a fruitful and deep spiritual life, financial freedom, and practicing the art of generosity- giving back, helping others and taking time to take care of myself! How’s that for some lofty plans and goals! I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got slated for 2017. Comment below or shoot me a message! What’s your word for 2017?? I’d love to share with you on your journey to living a meaningful and impactful life! And as always, thanks for reading all my words! Subscribe here to stay connected for all my blog posts! Love you friends!
I was much older than you when I discovered the power of living life ‘on purpose.’ One of the most powerful things I did on my INTENTIONAL journey was to write a mission statement. I’d done mission statements for business and ministry- but never for my personal life. It’s a powerful thing. Really helps to focus in on what you want to see happen in your life and the life of your family.
My mission statement has been tweeked a couple times- because I find myself in a different place now than I was when I was your age. But it has basically remained the same. Mine is based on Isaiah 58. And the focus verse is 12b: “You shall raise up the foundations of many generations.”
You are doing great as a mother, wife and human being. Setting goals is a good thing. Remember to be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead.” (not behind) “And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet. And let all your ways be established.” Prov 4: 25-26