The last few weeks have been overwhelming for me. This isn’t uncommon, I get overwhelmed easily as a busy mother of three. I had a lot of self doubts with school starting and if I would be up to the task of making lunches, early rushed mornings, homework being turned in in time and all that school entails. It is a lot, and the anticipation of it is overwhelming.
As school has begun though, my self doubt has turned into self confidence. I have found fulfillment in those early mornings, lunches packed in bags, papers signed and put in the back to school folders, happy, clean children with full bellies on their way to school. I always forget that part. That I will enjoy and be fulfilled by the hard work of motherhood. Again and again, I am reminded by these things. Like that time before school started and I whined to Brady “I am going to have to make Harlo lunch every single day.” and he quickly responded “Yeah, but you love that kind of stuff.” He was right. I do absolutely love that kind of stuff. I love making her her favorite sandwich, surprising her with snacks and treats I know she’ll like. Folding up her napkin and placing her spoon just so. Adding in a special drink she’ll be excited to have. Topping it off with a love note to encourage her last half of the day. I do love that kind of stuff. It is hard work to remember it day in and day out, and it is overwhelming to think of how many lunches will need to be prepared and remembered through the school year, but it is the work that I love and that fills up my soul.
A few nights ago, as I rocked Grae for the night (easily my favorite mothering job) I was thinking about this phenomenon. Another miracle of motherhood.
Because I wake up early, I get to be the one to wave them off to school.
Because I clean up the kitchen rush, I get to be the one to feed the hungry bellies for lunch.
Because I do the laundry, I get to set out fresh clothes for the day.
Because I rush to pick up kids, I get to hear all about their day.
Because I help settle quarrels, I get to revel in the goodness of hearing siblings laugh and play.
Because I wrestle the little one down for naps, I get those first post-naps snuggles and smiles.
Because I help with homework, I get to hear happy reports from school.
Because I prepare the meal, I get to serve my hungry family for supper.
Because I administer the baths, I get to snuggle fresh, clean babies that are surely straight from heaven.
Because I wear my tired soles through the day, I get to rock the baby to sleep.
Because I serve our family diligently, I get to be adored by the loving Daddy of the house.
Because I work hard, I get to be the mom.
(ashley flowers photography)
spiritual enlightenment HERE.