Stretched

I'm finding myself stretched thin lately. Stretched thin for time and energy. Stretched thin in being limited to how many hands I have and how many places I can be in at once. There are so many things I love that I don't even consider working into my schedule right now as I try to desperately get things accomplished.

There was a time in my life where this all would have got me down. I'd give in to the stress. I'd get angry with everyone in my family. Because clearly, everyone in my family has wronged me. It's the kids who need the constant discipline who are consuming my precious time. It's my husband who leaves shoes on the floor or items all over the bathroom counter or dishes on the floor from a midnight snack who wastes my time since I have to stop to pick up after him.

I'd start feeling very sorry for myself that my load was impossible to bear. I'd be frustrated that it was all up to me to do everything. There would be numerous fights with my husband in which the resounding theme was that "I'm not a maid!"

And all I can think back on now is how bitter and sad that was. I can choose to give in to the lies that accompany stress and believe them. Or I can choose to see myself as blessed as I am. That each task I do is an opportunity to show love to my Savior and love to my family - my children and husband. My life isn't about what is undone but about what we are accomplishing. Things are not perfect. But I was a miserable person when trying to attain perfection.

The days go by all too quickly, my sweet little round faced baby is now 8 months old today. I have realized over the years that the time is rushing by and that if I don't stop to be thankful I will not have any pleasant memories to look back on.

So I challenge you moms today... when you feel like there is not enough of you to go around, throw that list out the window. Instead of feeling inadequate be thankful for the ways you were able to serve your God and your family today through your hard work. It's not insufficient, it's more than enough. Your cheerful heart and good attitude will go much further and last longer than any work of your hands will (which we both know will quickly be undone again by little people).