Tranquility

Rejoice in this day of rest! Rejoice, sweet Mama, that you, yes you, are the pearl of great price, for whom He sacrificed everything. Stop folding laundry, put down the clothes, let it go for today, and refresh yourself in His love. Renew your soul for the coming week--laundry, dusting, mopping, even tidying--there will be plenty of it in the days to come. On this one day, just one, take time for your soul, and take a moment to meet with your maker.

Happy

There are no avoiding days like this, and at times there will be a lot of them. What are you going to do about it, Mama? So many women take advantage of their power.
If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
Yes, we can use this as a threat: Better keep me happy, honey and kids, or I'll make your life hell.
But you are a better person than that. Strive to be magnanimous: literally, "big-souled." For you, this saying means, If I let everyone's bad attitude and my own frustrations make me into a cranky-pants, then no one will have a good day.
You're the adult. You are the woman. You are the mama. It's up to you, honey. But you're not on your own. Take a deep breath, and pray. Re-center your soul; find peace. With God, all things are possible, and that means today.

Worth

Sweet mama: that old friend, long-time acquaintance, who always knows just what to say to make you feel a little worse about yourself . . . Don't worry! It is not your fault. Nothing, I repeat nothing is wrong with you. You may not handle every situation perfectly, but that doesn't warrant snide comments or cutting criticism. But remember, dear, she is human, too, and not no one of us is perfect, try as we might. Keep your eyes focused on what you must believe about all else to be true: Your worth does not depend on human esteem. You are beautiful because you are you, and because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Don't let the $&*()#@ grind you down.

Strength

You cannot do it alone. None of us can, and it is folly to try. There are times, though, when we allow even our staunchest supporters to diminish ourselves. You know--the friend who makes you feel clumsy, or spendthrift, or impatient, or dull; maybe even ugly. Here's the thing, dear one: you never know what your friends may envy you! It is silly to rate someone else's strengths as "better" than yours just because she has them and you do not. If you want to cultivate that virtue, then do so, but not to the expense of your own strengths and skills and identity. Be strong in who you are, knowing that only you are you, and you are wonderfully and beautifully made!

Shine

Hey there, Mama. It's happened before, I know, and it will always happen. Not everyone is going to be your biggest fan, not even people close to you. Siblings, In-laws, That Woman at Church or School or Co-op . . . and it won't hurt any less just because it happens one more time. You know what, though? You don't let that stop you. It is not your responsibility to win the approval of others. Be the best you can be, for your own sake, for your child, for God. Shine for Him, not for others around you! He made you to be HIS! to know and reflect His Beauty, Truth, Goodness and Love in a way that only you can. I know it's hard, but don't worry if others can't see it. He can! And you know who else does? You'd better believe it! Those little munchkins of yours see it, too. And it's the truth--you really are worth that much love!

Breathe

Trying to maintain a balance of prudence and indulgence during "special times" can be hard! It's fine to relax the rules sometimes--everyone will have a much better time, I think, if we can realize that when ideals meet reality there has to be some give. A complete dissolution of routine is not helpful for anyone, so try to keep focused on the important things, take a big breath, and relax.

the Grind

It's true, Mama. Some days there is no silver lining, no tricks or relief. You just gotta slog through it, in all of its ungloriousness. Take heart, though: we all are stronger than we think, or maybe even than we want to be. Take a deep breath; say a quick prayer. Turn some water on for these hot days--hot in all ways--bath, splash pool, sprinkler, heck, a watering can, or two paper cups on a porch, and grab a few moments of reprieve. It will get better, and all shall be well. And You Can Do It!!!