Eating Rainbows and Pooping Butterflies

I’ve been snappy lately.

 I’m easily stressed, overwhelmed and quick to snap yell at the kids for a childish crime they committed that annoyed me immensely. I think in the back of my mind, I want and expect things to run perfectly. I want the kids to get along at all times, I want them to have initiative to clean up after themselves, never do anything they’re not supposed to and wash the toilets while singing a song in 3 part harmony. I also want them to eat rainbows and poop butterflies.

 My ideals and expectations are set way too high, whether I realize it or not. I am robbing motherhood of it’s joy. Should they get along? Yes. Should they clean their rooms and obey? Of course they should. Should they poop butterflies? Obviously! (Diaper changes would be so much nicer!)

 But these 3 little humans living in my house are children. They do childish, dumb things, and it’s my job to guide them, teach them, and mold their hearts and minds with a joyful spirit.

I have been given 3 beautiful gifts, something that many women desire but never receive for many different reasons. I am so lucky that God has made me a Mommy, but sadly I usually take it for granted.

After a few weeks of waiting for this “stage” to pass, I realize that I’m the one who needs to change, not my children. The joy of the Lord is my strength and if I’m weary it’s because my eyes have wandered off of him and onto the daily grind of dishes, laundry, bickering and, lets faces it, some really smelly diapers.

Today I eased up a little and let the kids be kids. I listened to them die laughing over the farting sound on the Operation game even though they pressed it 467 times. I spoke a little kinder and laughed a little more. Motherhood is probably one of the toughest jobs out there, but it’s also the most rewarding--if we let it be.

There will always be the overwhelming moments of exasperation, but I’m learning to focus on the daily rewards of Motherhood instead.  My Mom wisely cautions young Moms to enjoy the little years and not be so overly worried about perfect behavior. Training is an important factor of motherhood—but it’s not the only factor of Motherhood.

Let them be little, and learn to enjoy the ride. It’ll be fun, I promise!