No this is not lyrics to the newest hit country song. This is my life. It's enough to make me go crazy on any given day. But maybe the crazy thing about it is.... I kind of like it. I actually kind of love it. Obviously I don't mean the screaming or whining, but I do really love being a mom. I love being able to stay home with my children. Haha and I certainly don't mind a temporarily down washing machine! As I was listening to all these sounds going on at the exact same time I was tempted to lock myself in the bathroom, hold my hands over my ears, rock back and forth, and hum anything that would drown out the sound. This is probably not an unfamiliar impulse for many of my mom friends out there. Or at least I hope not!
The beautiful thing about it today though is, I chose in that instant to be happy. To love it. I chose to love it. Many days I do not make that choice. Many days I pinch myself and hope to wake up from this poop-filled nightmare. Today was different. I felt a whisper across my heart saying "Breathe Me in today. I am here." The joy of the Lord really can be your strength. Not just in the easy times but on the days when all you want to do is hide under the covers or escape into the unrealistic TV or computer portal. I dug real deep inside myself and pulled with all my might on that joy chord. I found laughter and grace there. I found peace and contentment. Do I want to be changing diapers forever? Certainly not. Would it be the worst thing? Absolutely not.
My cup is so full knowing I'm right where He's placed me. Oh how much I have to be thankful for! Oh what joy my life brings to me! Bless the Lord, oh my soul, with all that is within me! Bless Him!
Colossians 1:11-12 MSG
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your
work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the
long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the
glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable
and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough
to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
I just wanted to encourage you to stop and breathe. No matter what you're going through pray for that glory-strength that God gives.
Breathe Him in and renew your strength with the joy of the Lord.
