Standing over the kitchen island my hands are working rapidly to assemble lunch. All tummies are roaring. In the adjoining living room, my girls are playing. Well, kind of. The almost 3-year-old is doing all she can to get her sister’s attention. Until finally she kicks her right in the head.
Yup! That’s it; the crying starts. I ask the almost 3-year-old why she just kicked her sister. She joins in with tears and whines. Totally baffled as to why she is crying I firmly ask her to leave her sister alone.
With that fire extinguished I continue with lunch.
The bouncing almost 3-year-old joins me at the island to steal a strawberry. Waiting a few minutes to sit at the table is like years to her toddler belly. While stepping up the stool the floodgates open. A pool of pee now sits at the base of her step stool. Softly she says, “mommy?”
Oh yes, inside I want to lose it. I want to fly off and say something smart. However, all I say is, “Why didn’t you pee in the potty?” Her little feet start to walk away.
“NO! Don’t move!” I shout. As her sweet little pee footprints are leaving their mark across the kitchen floor.
Yet another situation to tackle before lunch…
The last few weeks have been filled with stories like this. Toddler moments. Sticking her face in the container of yogurt. Pooping in her pants. Licking the clean dinner silverware. Wiping her snotting nose on the couch. And more.
Sometimes I wonder why I feel so exhausted. Sometimes I wonder why I feel like I ran a marathon even though I never left the house. Sometimes I wonder why I want to cry.
Mothering littles is tough. Mothering littles can leave us feeling lonely, trapped, and defeated.
While facing those difficult situations I want to challenge myself and you to remember the sweet too. The unexpected kisses. The hugs that wrap your neck. The way she cared for her sister. Her eagerness to help wash the dishes. Her laugh at the dinner table.
Sometimes I wonder why I feel such joy. Sometimes I wonder why I just want to hold my little girls tight. Sometimes I wonder why I want to cry.
The love God gives us as mothers is priceless. The strength and grace God gives us as mothers is miraculous.
You are not alone in your mothering journey. Even if you are a single parent. You are not alone. God is with you.
As moms, we need to reach out. Open your arms wide and embrace. Share your stories. The silly, crazy, frustrating and happy. Share your moments with other moms. Let’s give each other the opportunity to see, to feel the truth…you are not alone.
Matthew 28:20b …And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. NLT
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. NIV
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. NKJV
