Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thought process triggered by a Facebook status

I'm learning that as a mom, the profitability of one's days (or weeks, or months) isn't determined by a checklist of completed projects/tasks or by how clean my house is or what stunning new recipes I’ve made lately. I have to learn to realize that what happens in all those little moments that seem like interruptions are all valid accomplishments and worthwhile ways to spend my time. For example some mornings go something like this: wipe up spilled juice, give child a cracker, pick up Tupperware scattered across kitchen floor, instruct child not to throw toys away, start dishes, instruct child to not dig in the house plants’ dirt, clear off counter, return to dishes, take a break from dishes to comfort wailing child, change messy diaper, sit on couch in exhaustion and read favorite board book, discuss shapes and colors, look at the clock and wonder where the morning went, and so on. Yep, that's all important. I can't always be a super-achiever, and sometimes just getting through the day is a major feat. If I feel like nothing is getting done (which is probably not the truth anyway), chances are that I have some super-achiever days coming up soon in which I will accomplish mountains of amazing things. Then I’ll pay for it by at least a few days of merely scraping by.  It’s just a part of motherhood.  No, I take that back, it’s just a cycle in life.  I just have to give every day 100% of what I’ve got and be thankful and content with what I am able to get done with that particular day’s 100%. 

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10a)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 
      And lean not on your own understanding; 
        In all your ways acknowledge Him, 
      And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

God is directing me just the same on the seemingly unprofitable days as He is on the super-achiever days.          

7 comments:

Journeying Five said...

Such true words. Know that if your seemingly "productive" days don't come for longer than you would like, you are still being faithful to the tasks that God has given you. He/they will last alot longer than a clean house.

A Mommy's World said...

I like it! I totally understand your feelings - thank you for the reminder about getting things done. :)

summer said...

amen! love your cheerfulness, christina. it's good for me to hear these things before i get to those motherhood days. thank you for preparing me!

ps. thank you for the comment about google chrome yesterday! it got grant & me all curious and we're having fun checking it out!

Heidi said...

I'm there. That's me. It helps to know that God is helping teach us patience and endurance and perseverance through our messy, active, and curious kiddos. It's not for nothing, even though it can feel like it at times :)

Also, thanks for your comments!

And, I want your focaccia recipe! Will you share?

stitching under oaks said...

such a great reminder for all of us! amen!

Shaina said...

Thank you so much for writing this. I've been thinking the same things lately. :)

Raise Them Up said...

Very well said! And such an encouragement. Thanks!