Baby Steps

Take that one little step, Mama--no matter how tentative, how hesitating--towards what you know you need. In the quiet of your heart, you likely know what direction you need to go to find peace and healing. No matter how scary or overwhelming or silly it may seem, even if you don't know, yourself, exactly what you want the outcome to be, fix your gaze--not glance or passing look, or even the attention you'd give your screen, but with your whole soul--fix your gaze on that thing, in that direction, and reach towards it. You will not reach alone.

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.

Needing

I am needed at home, I "had" to write to my Bible study group tonight. It was hard not to be resentful. They do need me, and it's hard to be always needed, isn't it?
I read recently that God gives our children the temperament to get what they need. What a perspective! That whiney clingy child that sometimes gives good cause to want to pull out your hair, or at least open the wine (whine?) bottle? She needs you. YOU. Because no one else can be his mama.
Take a deep breath, mama. Instead of that wine, brew a cuppa, grab his or her favorite story, or three, and sit down on the couch for somma that lovin'--the kind only you can give your child.