A dose of encouragement....

I've been sensing a lot of discouragement amongst my friends....blogger friends and non blogger friends alike. And it's not just friends, it's my mommy friends. And I think that Satan does a pretty good job of playing the discouragement card, the "you're not doing good enough" card...and society plays right along with him.



*Originally posted November 2010*

Mom's, you and I have the hardest job in the entire world. We work harder than anyone else and we don't get paid with money. We go from sun-up to sun-down and in between. Showers become a luxury, sleep is intermittent, reading a book that isn't parent related is few and far between and dates become less and less often. And none of us would change ANY of it.

But that doesn't mean we don't have days where we are just downright exhausted, discouraged and hard on ourselves. The kids are grumpy, or you feel like they are on time-out all day. They don't stop crying, your house is a mess, dinner isn't ready and you can't remember if you brushed your teeth.

But who is putting that pressure on you?

Is it your husband? I sure hope not. I'm guessing, and hoping that he appreciates all you do and understands the hard work you put in day to day. If not...maybe it's time for some prayer in that direction and a calm and collected conversation :)

Is it your friends? Kid less friends? Well....don't even give their opinion the time of day because it doesn't matter. To quote Joey from Friends, " It's like a cow's opinion....it's moo" :)

Is it your extended family? I think sometimes those women forget what it was like, and they have short term memory...so don't worry about them.

Is it other moms? Your friends that have kids?  Maybe it's not direct pressure...but it's blog posts or Facebook statuses. Because let's be real...not many Mom's will post that they have spanked their child, or done time-out 15 times or that their child is being a brat. It's usually the good stuff...They seems to have it all together right? They are lying. They aren't being honest, because they (like you) put pressure on themselves and feel like they need to look like that have it all together. They don't. Nobody has a perfect child. NOBODY does and if they tell you they do...they are bold face lying. They might have it easier at the moment when you don't....but believe me they will :)

Guess who that leaves? YOU. You are putting WAY to much pressure on yourself! We expect too much of ourselves, especially new moms. And it stresses you out and your kids feel it and react to it and it's a vicious cycle.

Meltdown moment x3

We aren't meant to do this job alone, we have to learn to rely on God. No, you might not get that 30 minute devotional and prayer time in, with your nice cup of coffee like you used to. But nowhere does God say that is the only way to lean on Him. With every breath you take you have to ask Him to give you strength, patience, energy and a positive outlook. I'm talking every. single. breath. He wants you to ask Him, to lean on Him and rely on Him to get your through your day. I honestly don't know how you would without Him.

I think the relationship you have with God takes on a whole new look when you become a Mom. Sometimes it's hard to figure out, and it has changed so it doesn't feel the same. But if you accept that it's different, and learn how it is and how it works and how you communicate with Him now, it can be incredibly amazing and satisfying. I think it can be downright exciting...if we'd let ourselves realize that's what's going on here!!

I don't have all the answers, I have days just like all of you. Lots of them. But I know we're not meant to live there....there is an abundance of life we will miss out on if we allow ourselves to get downtrodden over life and the endless days.

                                                                       Deep breaths.

                                                          Fresh perspective.

                    Constant communication with Jesus.

And darn it....stop being so hard on yourself! Hugs to you all. You're loved and you're amazing.