For the Tired Mom

June 26, 2016

Let’s just admit it. We all have our moments. Motherhood brings joy like nothing else on planet earth, but along with the cooing and cuddles comes tantrums and night terrors. As the little dumplings grow, there’s back talk, eye rolling, and the occasional huff and puff that has to be wrangled and set on the right path. It’s hard work being a mom. Truly, it’s exhausting!

I’ll be the first to confess I take perfectly normal days and make complete motherhood messes that I would rather forget. I start out with really good intentions. I get up early, drink enough coffee to give even the most exhausted elephant energy, and I convince myself that I’m going to be upbeat, fun, and pleasant. By the time breakfast is on the table, I’m barking out orders.

“One bite at a time!”

“Don’t spill your milk.”

“Chew with your mouth closed.”

“No smacking!”

With each command, my back gets straighter, my jaw gets tighter and I can literally feel the irritation crawling up my spine. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen every day, but when I really let my hair down I’m sure I look like the incredible hulk on steroids.

It takes a lot to get my mind, attitude, and actions on track each day. I don’t wake up like Mary Poppins, although I would like to think I do. If I could snap my fingers and make the house sparkle maybe I would be a bit more “fun” like her, but I don’t measure up no matter how many times I sing “A Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down.”

What does a tired woman do when the day in day out of life makes irritation rise at the first sound of her name being hollered by a child from the bathroom?

“Mom! Come wipe me!”

Truly I am so thankful for the amazing gifts of God that live under my roof, but motherhood has brought a completely new challenge when it comes to my attitude.

So here’s a little encouragement for all the moms who have the occasional or daily attitude upheaval:

1. Smile. Yes, right now. You’re beautiful!

It’s amazing how rarely people smile anymore. Be one of the few that brighten the room especially in your own home. Your children will thank you and they will probably smile back.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13(ESV)

2. Breathe.

Seriously. Deep breaths do something to the brain. It just feels good to take a few slow deep breaths.

3. Be thankful.

Think of something or someone you can be thankful for today. Express your thankfulness through a text or kind written or spoken word.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18(ESV)

4. Tell someone about the good parts of motherhood.

It’s easy to discuss the potty problems, mommy wars, playground saga, and diaper dilemma. But what about the first moment you saw your precious peanut in the womb or felt tiny arms wrap around your neck? What about the sweet little I love yous after you totally acted like a crazy dragon? Motherhood is the most glorious of roles. It’s the only role where you can fail miserably and be completely encouraged and convicted by a two-year old all in one minute.

Be encouraged, Mom. You’re doing a good job! I know you’re tired. No matter what season of motherhood you are in right now, let’s all remember to smile, breathe, be thankful, and share the good parts of motherhood. I’ll go first. Today, I’m thankful for a 10-year-old who still sits in my lap, and likes to clean the toilet. Yes, you read that right, the toilet. Now, it’s your turn! Go!