In the Trenches

Sigh. Guys, usually I come to the blog filled with excitement to give you an update on what’s going on here, but today, I come feeling..blah. Usually I come with something I have already written that I have put some thought and work into, but tonight I come to talk from the heart.
It has been a day. It was one of those days where I was texting Chance by 10:30 am saying, “I am losing my mind.” As a rule, you shouldn’t be allowed to lose your mind before noon, yet there I was. For some reason, Henry’s listening skills have flown out the window the past few days, he was up at 5:45 am today, and Lillian has two molars finally coming through, so needless to say, everyone was not in the best spirits this morning. I am generally a very patient person when it comes to my kids, but I could feel myself reaching my breaking point. There were (and still are) mountains of laundry to wash/put away, a sink full of dishes, and a dirt covered floor, yet here I was telling Henry not to do something for the 100th time and picking up a wailing Lillian from the floor. I said a quick prayer of, “send help and coffee,” and attempted to charge through the day. No. Just not happening. I decided to give up whatever I was trying to get done in a desperate attempt to turn the day around. I tossed everyone out the door for a little fresh air and garden strawberries.
Did it help? Yes, but temporarily. After lunch, I attempted to get both kids to nap. Let me really put an emphasis on attempted. These attempts were met with more wailing and screaming. I needed the kids to nap, not only for my sanity (which is important) but also their’s for the rest of the day. Yet again, I gave up. I loaded them into the car for a quick drive. Both kids were out in less than five minutes. You all couldn’t do that at home? Really?
I know that there are those of you out there with kids who have experienced days like this before. A day where it just seems like you’re drowning under disaster after disaster, crankiness, ears that seem to not hear, and you’re just trying to keep your head above water. I have been there more times than I can count, especially with little ones! I’m not writing this post to unload my crazy day, although it does feel good to get it all out. I am here to encourage those of you with little ones (or maybe not so little ones) who are in the trenches just trying to get through the day. Hoping for a moment of silence to drink your coffee that you have microwaved three times. Who am I kidding? I just drink it cold at this point. Praying for patience as you break up another squabble or correct your child for what seems like the millionth time in one hour. I feel you. I am right there with you.
There are times when I feel like I cannot stand to say no to something one more time or deal with one more fight; times when I feel like nothing I am doing or saying with my kids is working. Then I look at the sweet faces of my children, say a prayer, and find the strength to keep pushing. To all the parents out there, find that strength. It won’t always be countless squabbles over a toy or thousands of Cheerios spilled into your couch cushions. Continue pouring into their little lives and training them up. It is the hardest, most exhausting job, but it is also the most rewarding. And know that you are not alone. Be encouraged and know that you are doing the most important job out there. Taking care of tiny people isn’t easy.
 
 
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6