Friday, September 2, 2011

Stating the Obvious

Hello Ladies,

I am going to say something that should be very obvious: We need to take care of ourselves!

Obvious, right? But speaking with my mom friends I notice that we do silly things like forget to eat or stay up late doing laundry so a child can go to school in her favorite clothes. I've been known to clean bathrooms at 10pm when I need to be awake at 6am the next day. Did the bathrooms really need to be cleaned at that time? Does that little girl need to wear her favorite clothes? Does child #3 really need to take those baby sign language courses (during nap time no less) because children #1 and #2 did and you want to be fair?

We need to step back and look at the whole picture. If we become confused we need to pray for guidance.

I often think that we would lead very different lives if we believed that He wants to care for us as well. We would stop trying to do everything and concentrate on doing a few things with great love. We would stop trying to give our children every opportunity and take the opportunity to spend time with our children. We would stop cleaning bathrooms and take the time to eat and sleep. And yes, pray.

I also find that when I don't take care of myself things tend to fall apart. I need to make it a priority to eat regularly and not just concentrate on feeding the kids and 'getting things done'. Sometimes I let the housecleaning go so I can have a nap. Strangely, the housework gets done anyway. What gets lost is 'me' time and prayer time. Yes, I believe that we can and should pray while folding laundry and washing the dishes. But we must also remember that Jesus chided Martha for working too much and not spending enough time with Him. See? It's biblical! We don't need to make excuses. This isn't a cop-out. Spending time with Jesus on our own and through the sacraments is our right and privilege. We are also daughters of God, made in His image and likeness. This does not change with the birth of a child.

Obvious, right?

Well, I'm off to make some food (and coffee!) then fold laundry.

Sit Deus Nobis! (May God be with us!)