The Daily Struggle

There are moments that define us as parents. Moments of "ahhah" as you can say. These moments can be anything from a walk in the park to a therapy secession that has sent you over the edge.

There as so many things we look forward to with parenthood. That unconditional love, the snuggles, the sweet smells, the little giggles. Then there are those no one warned you about. The moments you have given your last ounce of energy to a screaming toddler refusal. The moment you've changed the last dirty diaper you can stand for the day. The moment when your toddler screams till they can go outside and play on the swing. Or the moment where you child's refusal to stand or walk can bring you to tears. Tears that are coming from deep in your soul that are brought on by fears you dare not discuss out loud. Fears that your husband doesn't have. Fears your mother or mother-in-law will tell you not to worry because its completely normal. Fears your friends try to calm you by saying she is going through basically the same thing with her child only instead of walking its the refusal to sleep in her "big girl bed." And they are all RIGHT.

They always are but in YOUR moment you can't see it. All you see is the immediate struggle. Some nights your dreams of her walking and running around the house wake you disoriented and sad. But on the other hand they give you hope for one more day. Reassurance that God is smiling and letting you know that ONE day, ONE DAY, she'll get there.

So mommy's don't sweat the milestones today. Don't lose your cool over "the last dang diaper" you can handle. Don't react when they throw the 5th sippy cup on the floor cracking it. Ignore the screams when you get up to go pee because you haven't went in eight hours. Instead embrace this season. In a year you'll look back and remind yourself of a time when she couldn't do the things she does now. A day will come when she no longer needs nor WANTS your hand to walk. She wont need you to get her favorite Mickey and Minnie mouse yogurt out of the fridge because she'll go get it herself WITHOUT telling anyone she needed it. Eventually she wont need that sippy cup because she wants the big girl cup with the flowers on it.

I think when we are having these moments God is preparing us. Slowly and intricately weaving a beautiful harmony to our lives. Each struggle is a new note to add to our piece. I can't help but think when its all over we have one heck of a song. One that would rival any classical piece out human ears can perceive. So today... Press on Moms! Press on!

Psalms 25:1-7

1 In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
    for you, Lord, are good.