No More Unglued Mama MorningsSample

MANAGING BLESSINGS I have never been a member of the perfect mom's club. Never. But if I ever was, I'll tell you about the day my membership would have surely been revoked. It was my youngest daughter, Brooke's big "Let's Celebrate Mommy Day" at the church preschool. All the mommies waited excitedly in the hall for little hands to put last minute touches on the well-decorated room. I was already feeling off as I stood with all the other moms who'd actually taken time to do their hair and wear outfits. My wet hair was slicked back haphazardly in a banana clip. My black yoga pants had some sort of smear across the thigh. And my tennis shoes looked clunky standing with all the other cute sandals and well pedicured toes. Finally, the teacher came to the classroom door and welcomed us inside. A room full of cupcakes, giggles, claps and sparkling preschool eyes greeted us. The highlight of the room was the clothesline with pinned artistic treasures. Each child had been asked to draw a picture of their mommy's favorite place. Then the teacher wrote below the crayon masterpiece what the child said when drawing the picture. There were pictures of beaches and mountains and even a grocery store. The preciousness abounded. Until I got to the picture featuring my favorite place. "My mommy's favorite place is in bed with Daddy." Oh have mercy on my soul that could die a thousand deaths right here in the preschool room. Yes. I kid you not. My only saving grace was that both mommy and daddy were fully clothed, sitting on the bed eating ice cream. But still. The rhythm of motherhood will always be set to a slightly chaotic beat. I can be rattled to the core by the unpredictability of it all. Or I can choose to laugh, dance, and remember I'm managing blessings. So, this morning when things start swirling and you can feel your attitude slipping, whisper to yourself, "All of this is evidence that I'm managing blessings." And then thank heaven above that your kid didn't draw "that" picture. MAKING IT A REALITY: Write each of your kids a note and list five things you've noticed about them lately that you love and admire. It's amazing what happens in our hearts and theirs when we focus on their blessings rather than their chaos.