I feel a constant struggle to balance. Husband, kids, school, home, career, church, hobbies, community. Some days I am so exhausted and overwhelmed I hide in my room and cry because I’m not sure what else to do. After lots of sincere prayers as well as talks with family and friends, I’m beginning to see that I really just CAN’T DO IT ALL.
At least not right now. And that’s okay. My daily tasks or level of busyness don’t define my worth–something I’ve been afraid of for a long time.
My wise mother-in-law said, you CAN have it ALL, it just might not be ALL at once. She has shown me an amazing example of raising a successful, happy family, and then have a fulfilling career.
My dear friend confided she was worried about me burning out. She has shown me an amazing example of simplifying life and putting focus on what’s most important.
And so I’m beginning to see that there is a time and season for everything, and for me, this is my season of cuddling my babies.
A season of reading books and catching caterpillars and singing songs.
A season of planning birthday parties.
A season of rare but must-make-meaningful date nights.
A season of breathing through the tantrums and runny noses and messes and remembering that “this too shall pass.”
And most importantly, a season of enjoying where I’m at, because someday I will miss being here.
{Linking to Heavenly Homemakers}
Pamela, thank you so much for todays blog post. I really needed to read this. I am a grandma raising grand daughter who is also disabled. God
bless you for writing what I really needed to hear.
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pameladonnis Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 2:12 am
I’m so glad
. Thanks for sharing that with me! ((Hugs))
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I echo your post, written so beautifully, as I realize I need to simplify and enjoy this time as well — letting go of frustration and getting down on myself or not getting to all my daily to-do’s and, instead, just relishing this place God has given me. Thank you for the reminder that I am not alone in my busyness nor in my quest to slow down and simplify.
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pameladonnis Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 2:13 am
Isn’t it so hard to just let go of those to-do’s though? They haunt me sometimes! Thanks for your sweet comment.
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I agree wholeheartedly! We can be our own worst enemies so much of the time-trying desperately to fulfill a job description we’ve created in our own minds. The four most important words in my vocabulary these days? Breathe in, breathe out…
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pameladonnis Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 2:14 am
I should adopt your four words!
Thanks for your comment. I agree, we are definitely our own worst enemies.
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Wise–you called me wise!!! Oh, thank you. I remember those days of mountains of wash and bathtub rings, etc. They were also filled with the wonderment of children laughing and discovering, which I didn’t appreciate enough at the time. I’m thankful that my grandchildren’s mothers all realize that this is a season of caterpillars and birthday parties and simple joys. I just wish I could come cuddle those babies while you go on one of those date nights.
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