Last Updated on July 16, 2018
A few weeks ago, I called a friend and asked what she was doing.
Her breathing was heavy, like she’d run to get the phone. “Nothing. I haven’t gotten anything done today.”
Hmm, I thought to myself. She has five children, three dogs, four cats, one horse, and an executive-by-week-rancher-by-weekend hubby. After further probing, she mentioned cooking breakfast, dishes, laundry, potty-training woes, diaper changes, and the horse’s sprained ankle—which included a trip to the store for Epsom salt. She’d changed clothes twice and was on her way outside to help her husband build a barn. All this before noon!
So often we as moms think we aren’t accomplishing much, but if we look back our days are so full we barely had time to breathe. Perhaps our check lists should be filled with items such as: “wiped a nose,” “changed a diaper,” and “found a matching pair of socks.” Those things are important even if they aren’t included in a day planner.
So, keep up the good work and realize you are doing something. Above all, moms shape the next generation. And that’s doing something great!
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She is mom to two beautiful daughters and is thankful to be raising them, serving other families with unique needs, and using her gift of writing and speaking to minister to others. Jennifer is also the author of a youth fiction book series and is trusting God with His timing on publication. Jennifer has been a mom for 11 years. She and Brandon have been married for 13 years.
So well said, Jen. Thank you.
Thanks for the sweet comment, Janel. I think I needed to hear this message today!
This is so true. I was telling my sister-in-law about my Tues. with keeping grandchildren and going to their meet the teachers with their family. We both were tired from just hearing about it.
Yep, my days are so full and crazy of doing mom stuff that sometimes it feels like I don’t do much, until I stop and think of everything that happened in the last 30 minutes. Investing in my children’s lives is one of the most important things to do right now.
Well said, Suanna! Thanks for your wisdom!
I was just sharing these thoughts with a friend today… the battles of my heart and mind of the worthiness of my repetitive tasks as a wife and Mom. Thank you for reminding me that I am doing SOMETHING and it is VALUABLE 🙂
You are valuable, but it’s so easy to forget that, isn’t it?
I think our to-do lists need to include:
Being a mom
Hug a child
Smile at a neighbor
Kiss boo-boos.
🙂
Hugs to you!
What a needed reminder. I often reply the same way when talking to others on the phone. Our children are our greatest work and anything we do to contribute to their wellbeing is something done well.
Wise words, Rebekah. It’s amazing how quickly the years slip away, too.