The Balancing Act

There is no doubt that I have early birds living in this house. It doesn't matter what time my kids get to bed because they get up early regardless. Early for me? 6:30 am even 5:45 am sometimes.

I am thankful now that I do not have to rush to be anywhere. I can take my time making the kids breakfast and even do some of the morning school stuff with them all while still in PJ's. I realize that in just a few more months this will change.

I always say that being a mommy is the hardest job I have ever had. It's only been about a year and a half since I have been a "stay at home" mommy and I am still getting used to the balancing act.

I have moments when I feel truly overwhelmed by everything that I need to accomplish. I like a clean and orderly house, I like to do art with the kids, I love to teach them, I HAVE to cook, there is laundry to be done and the list goes on.

Balancing being a mom and JUST those duties alone is a tricky job let alone the other commitments I have in my life. I don't ever want to make my kids feel like I would much rather do something else than be with them. If I can put something aside to give them my full attention then I try to do that.

There are times when the kids do need to do things on their own because obviously NOTHING would get done If I sat around and played all day, but some days are meant to do just that! I am reminded that these moments are precious and I need to truly make myself sit down and enjoy them. It is hard with my tendencies to be such a neat freak and want to get things done, but I am learning to balance it all and enjoy my TIME.

This is a beautiful poem I read in a book and the author is unknown but it touched my heart.

LOVE

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in it's place, but have no love-I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have no love-my children learn cleanliness, not Godliness.

Love leaves the dust in the search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. As a mother there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of these is LOVE.

-Unknown

I am still learning how to balance it all, keep the house clean enough and spend time with the kids. Not just hanging out but quality time, the kind that makes them feel like I truly care and I'm truly listening to them and their heart. I never want to make them feel unimportant or disregarded by me I want them to know I love them more than anything else and NOTHING is too important for me to stop and listen to them.

I am thankful for God's grace in allowing me to be the best mom I can be and for his help in the toughest job I have ever had.