Good Job Mom!

It's been one of those months.  One sickness in my house has lead to another, and to another, and to yet another.  Now, over the weekend, another sickness.  We've all been sick once, and some of us were sick twice.  I've been caring for sweet sickies for over three weeks, and my husband's sickness was the final straw.  I had a fun gathering planned for friends and family, but it had to be canceled.  The isolation for me continued...  

So, I packed the girls up, and I headed to church.  I wasn't sure that  I wanted to go.  It seemed like sleep was a better option since I spent much of my sleep time the past few weeks caring, loving, and cleaning. 

Does it sound like I'm complaining.  I am a little, but I have a point.  You've had these days too.  Your kids have been sick, and you've had to handle it mostly alone, and you've felt like one more thing was just too much.  You have housework, and bills, and cooking, and a million other things that all depend on you!

At that church service that I almost didn't attend, the guest speaker talked about spreading discouragement.  He talked about the poor girl in our area whose son tragically fell into an exhibit at the zoo and was mauled by wild dogs.  This mama who was grieving her precious two-year-old was publicly blamed.  Facebook, twitter, texts, and blogs fired accusations at her, and hurtful comments struck the family like flaming arrows. The speaker said, shouldn't we as Christians use the same technology that others use to tear down to encourage and build up?

So, after this inspiring service (which I almost didn't attend), a sweet and godly woman reminded me when I told her that yet another family member was sick that I was not alone.  She had been there, and so had so many other moms.  She encouraged me and uplifted me (and she hadn't even heard the message- she was in the nursery with my daughter!)

I want to take that chance to encourage other moms in the same way.  You aren't alone.  The Lord sees all that you do for your family.  Each wiped nose, each love, each kiss, each sleepless night, and each load of laundry do not go unnoticed.  When you sing songs with your kids, and when you wash their dishes three times a day, He sees.  Maybe you are disappointed with yourself for not perfectly keeping up with your chores or for not doing each activity that you had hoped to do with your kids, but don't be.  You are doing the most important job that there is, and God is proud of you.  I'm proud of you too!

My friend reminded me to take some time for me.  She said to just take some time alone to do what I wanted.  No demands- no kids who need me, and no husband who needs me.  Just for a bit.  When I got home, it became clear that my time was finally at hand.  Our party was canceled, and my husband was feeling a bit queezy, but overall much better.  So when lunch was fed and little heads were on their pillows for an afternoon nap, I took an afternoon for myself.  I shopped, read devotions, and wrote an overdue guest post in uninterrupted peace, and I returned to my home refreshed and ready to be the best wife, mom, housekeeper and caregiver I can be.

 My dear friend, when's your time?  Put it on your calendar because you need it.  You deserve it!  Whether you take a bubble bath, or sip coffee at your local coffee shop, you need that time.  While you take your time, take some time and meet with the Lord.  Read a Scripture verse, pray a prayer, or read a devotional book.  He's faithful to meet you there with wisdom, refreshment, and encouragement to move forward.   If your faith isn't what it should be, that's OK.  God meets us where we are.  He restores the broken, and he heals the sick.  He loves you, and his arms are open for you. 

Here are some of my favorite encouraging blogs:

Grace to Be

The Time-Warp Wife

There's Grace for That

True Hope and a Future

The Happiest Mom