It’s only slightly funny when other women assume things about me that are untrue. Such as:

“You’ve got to be exhausted, honey. You NEED rest!”

Actually, I get plenty of rest, about seven or eight hours of sleep a night plus a sweet quiet time for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I don’t usually run around my house ragged without a plan; most of the time it’s very easy going around here.

“You need to find things YOU want to do. For YOU.”

Well, first of all, unlike a humanist, I don’t think life is about ME. As a Christian, I believe life is about glorifying and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. In any case, I think I have an incredible amount of freedom to do what I want. At home, I choose the menus we eat, the clothes we wear, the products we use, and how we spend our time. I don’t find this at all constricting. Furthermore, I have the freedom to shop with or without children as needed, and can stop by at a coffee shop to meet friends as I like. I have time for hobbies and other interests as well. (It’s that “s” word lots of women don’t like, “schedule”). And can I also say that in this blessed country I also have the freedom to show my arms, drive a car and wear a ponytail out in the open?

“You must be worried.”

Really? About what? Yes, daily life has challenges and we do have to deal with unjust issues and people who are sinners (yeah, that’s everybody), but I have a Father who hears and answers my prayers and is working everything out for my own good at all times. When I do fall into worry, that I think is a sin on my part.

“You’re the perfect mother.”

Hahahahahahahaha!

Only people that don’t know me at all say that! I have my failings every day and I take the required “mommy-guilt-trip” all too often. I give myself way more grace than anyone else. I try not to complain or gossip or mope or speak with my eyeballs. If I have a bad day or I’m just mad, I usually retreat and don’t advertise it. It’s bad enough that my Lord knows every thought! Sometimes it’s hard to keep my mouth shut, but mostly I just don’t see how airing the rot would edify anyone. But it doesn’t mean I don’t fall down and that I’m not making mistakes and learning every single day. Glad God’s grace is deeper than my own.

I would encourage you not to be too discouraged or even too ENcouraged by what others say. Whatever you’re learning, whether it is discipling your children or making healthy meals or finding time to develop artistic pursuits or learning to respect your husband more, there is no quick fix.

Just pick at it. Little by little and line by line. Trust God to grow you, and keep your face turned up towards the Son.

P.S. To prove my un-perfect point, check out my little bird with no legs! I forgot!

Warmly,