As a young, single mom with three daughters, I often thought, “which way should I go?” (I actually had an evening with each girl playing softball in a different town…talk about torn!) I remember well thinking, “I don’t have enough arms…I don’t have enough time…I don’t have enough patience…”. “Lord, there’s not enough of me!”
I don’t think it matters, if you’re a single mom, or if you have a husband and father in your home, a mom’s job is 24 hours a day…and there are times you will feel overwhelmed.
I read this today in Guidepost magazine and want to share it with you.
“The most important task God has for us today may not be on our to-do list.”
I was a list maker, and felt somewhat organized if I could mark things off one by one. And let me tell you, I needed to feel organized, or it all would get away from me. The house would look like a tornado hit. But…and there is a but.
I am guilty of missing so many important moments because I was busy…busy washing dishes, folding clothes, picking up. If I could do it all over, I would have listened to my children’s pleas, stopped and given them that moment of attention, made memories with them.
What I know now is…the job was never done. There would always be something else on the list to do…I could never have gotten it finished. And I missed so many special moments of just giving my children undivided attention.
How many card games and board games and walks did I miss with my youngest because I had other things to do? It breaks my heart. She asked, I was just too busy trying to accomplish things on my list.
Here’s a hint for you young mothers. Stop, listen, play with your children. And when the housework gets out of control, have “the 15 minute clean-up”…turn the tv off, the music up loud, and everyone work together for 15 minutes…dusting, vacuuming, washing. The kids don’t mind at all, if it’s for just 15 minutes. They love the music, and you’ll be amazed what can be accomplished.
I truly believe that if we listen and are obedient to God, He’ll take care of the rest. If you stop and play Barbies…I promise you, the dishes will get done.
Blessings to you.
49andcounting 