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The baby’s blanket dragged on the floor behind me as I walked through the airport terminal. The diaper bag was slung over my right shoulder, the same arm that held my infant. My left hand held my toddler’s small hand and my 6 year old walked closely nearby. Verbally and physically I had stayed calm, but inside I had blown into pieces.
“Ma’am, can I help you?” I couldn’t even process the kind offer.
Again questioned the kind voice, “Excuse me, do you need a hand?”
“No,” I muttered.
“Your baby’s blanket is dragging on the ground. Here, let me…”
“Leave the girl alone!” Her husband interjected.
The lady barked back, “No, she needs help!”
“I’m fine.” I assured her through my glazed over eyes.
They huddled away engaged in a whispered disagreement. I assume it was over helping me.
The previous weekend had been lovely. My brother married his longtime girlfriend, whom I adore. Their nuptials are the very reason I look forward to autumn and anticipate its crisp fragrance. Rich browns and pumpkin orange with a golden shimmer were appreciated from the ceremony to the reception. My oldest daughter was the flower girl. She dropped fall leaves and she was thrilled to play an important role. Her dress matched the color theme, brown with a golden sparkle. My younger two daughters wore matching cream colored formal dresses. I wore cream as well.
I was overjoyed to be with my little brother (who is head and shoulders taller than I). I fluffed him, bossed him, and told him, “I am so proud!” I cried as the wedding party walked down the aisle and beamed with delight after they were pronounced husband and wife. The reception was an enchanting experience. We ate, we laughed, we celebrated, and we danced… a lot. My girls loved dancing. They were the center of attention and on their best behavior.
A couple of days before the wedding, I mentioned to my brother that I wanted a laptop. Little did I know – he had one; all it needed was a CPU and it was all mine. If I bought the part he would replace it. He did. We double checked that my newly refurbished laptop was in perfect working order.
MY PLAN – was to entertain the girls with movies during the 1500 mile plane ride. However, my plan folded before we taxied to the runway. After we were situated in our seats, I opened the computer, popped in the DVD, and “DEVICE NOT COMPATIBLE” flashed across the screen.
“Oh. My. Goodness!” My heart sank. The computer had been wiped cleaned of all software, including DVD software! I had banked on the movie being the girls’ main entertainment during the THREE HOUR plane ride. I had brought a few small toys and crayons, which were not enough to keep three kids busy for the whole trip!
I survived. Barely.
As I walked through the terminal I was handed the Mom-Stayed-Calm-While-Internally-Exploding Award. Oh wait, maybe that wasn’t true. I don’t know. I was delusional from trying to keep the three octopi contained, quiet, and entertained in a 2 foot by 4 foot area.
Just after the award may or may not have been given, was when the lady tried to help me. I should have accepted the help. However, it is much easier to give help than it is to receive.
As mothers, we do not have anything to prove to the world. Yet, we have endless wisdom to seek. Let’s slow down for a sec, take a deep breath and ask.
Three Remedies for Peace in the Chaos
- Ask for help: Our needs are not obvious to others. Communicate needs respectfully.
- Know your limits: Spend time praying about priorities. Being capable of completing the task is invalid when one is overextended. Jack of all trades, master of none.
- Setting boundaries: Find the line and do not cross it. Distinguishing between what is imperative and what is a distraction is crucial.
We can do all things…through Jesus Christ WHO gives us strength! Philippians 4:13
Mamma, you were not designed with superpowers.
You were created by a Supernatural God who wants to lavish His all into you.
Visit Michelle on her blog – Blooming with Joy HERE for more words of encouragement and a free printable for your home!