I am so far from the perfect wife, mother and homemaker. I don't have five kids each between 18 and 24 months apart sitting at the breakfast table at 7 am, all bathed, dressed and ready for the day. My house is messy. My kitchen counter is almost always a disaster, laundry sitting in baskets unfolded, crumbs and peanut butter and jelly smudges all over the dining room table, Cheerios or cracker crumbs on the floor and toys spread out all over the house. Don't get me wrong. I try. My vacuum is on at least once every day or so, but 24 hours later it looks the way it did 24 hours earlier. I'm lucky if I've already gone to the gym and showered before lunchtime. I don't wake up before my son and my husband with coffee, orange juice, and breakfast already made for them before they are up. I wish I could say the opposite.
You know that image of the woman from the 1950's, the one where she's vacuuming the house in heels, a cute dress, hair done, makeup impeccable, and has probably a 21 inch waist? Well, that's not me. If I'm home and vacuuming I'm probably in my pajamas or sweatpants.
In the Christian culture, the Proverbs 31 woman is our ultimate goal. It is the image that every Bible believing Christian woman strives to attain and with good reason. If God says this is what He wants us to be, then this is what we must strive for. It is pretty much non-negotiable.
Life is messy and exhausting, both mentally and physically for most mothers. I am so very blessed that my husband can provide enough so that I can stay home and raise our son. These days that is almost unheard of. Still, I can get so overwhelmed. It can be lonely being home often for days on end while my husband is away for work (he has to travel fairly often). I love my son and he is my joy, but being a parent alone most days of the week, without getting much if any time alone and running a house...well, it is hard sometimes.
I am sure that many women who read this would say "Ha! I would love to have your life. I work all day, have to keep a home and take care of my kids and husband." I am frequently disappointed with myself because I look around me and see women working, raising multiple children, somehow managing to cook dinner, keep a house clean and still have time for leisurely activities, their spouse and applying makeup and actually styling their hair everyday. I often think, how do they do it? I only have one child. He's 2 and half, not an infant, not requiring feedings every couple of hours. He plays well by himself, and he's grown to be somewhat independent already.
So why does it all seem so overwhelming sometimes? Why can't I be the super woman that I've seen my Mom, my mother in law, my sister in law and so many others be? I've got it pretty easy.
For those of you who have kids and still manage to do it all, I tip my hat to you. You are a super mom. Keep up the good work, and please - if you have any secrets feel free to share them with me. I could use the help, especially since I've got another one on the way.
(Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to have the life I do. God has been so good and blessed me with so much, but I would love to be "better" at it).
You know that image of the woman from the 1950's, the one where she's vacuuming the house in heels, a cute dress, hair done, makeup impeccable, and has probably a 21 inch waist? Well, that's not me. If I'm home and vacuuming I'm probably in my pajamas or sweatpants.
In the Christian culture, the Proverbs 31 woman is our ultimate goal. It is the image that every Bible believing Christian woman strives to attain and with good reason. If God says this is what He wants us to be, then this is what we must strive for. It is pretty much non-negotiable.
Life is messy and exhausting, both mentally and physically for most mothers. I am so very blessed that my husband can provide enough so that I can stay home and raise our son. These days that is almost unheard of. Still, I can get so overwhelmed. It can be lonely being home often for days on end while my husband is away for work (he has to travel fairly often). I love my son and he is my joy, but being a parent alone most days of the week, without getting much if any time alone and running a house...well, it is hard sometimes.
I am sure that many women who read this would say "Ha! I would love to have your life. I work all day, have to keep a home and take care of my kids and husband." I am frequently disappointed with myself because I look around me and see women working, raising multiple children, somehow managing to cook dinner, keep a house clean and still have time for leisurely activities, their spouse and applying makeup and actually styling their hair everyday. I often think, how do they do it? I only have one child. He's 2 and half, not an infant, not requiring feedings every couple of hours. He plays well by himself, and he's grown to be somewhat independent already.
So why does it all seem so overwhelming sometimes? Why can't I be the super woman that I've seen my Mom, my mother in law, my sister in law and so many others be? I've got it pretty easy.
For those of you who have kids and still manage to do it all, I tip my hat to you. You are a super mom. Keep up the good work, and please - if you have any secrets feel free to share them with me. I could use the help, especially since I've got another one on the way.
(Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to have the life I do. God has been so good and blessed me with so much, but I would love to be "better" at it).
