I had a picture in my mind of what I would look like as a mom.? What I pictured isn?t quite reality. I had been a camp counselor, teacher, tutor, youth group worker. I thought I would have this thing nailed. Not so much. I thought I would have boundless energy, there were would be creative activities going on around every corner, I would exhibit the patience of a saint and my kids would have smiles on their faces as they played in the dirt and mud. I see pictures like this:
and that?s what I had pictured. I still do sometimes. I look at a catalog like this and think, ?Oh, that art caddy thing in the middle of the table is so cool. I should get one of those.? Then, reality sets in. Minus the super mom composure this?
is more of my reality. Craft supplies? Well, the Pottery barn room where supplies are always at their level wouldn?t work. Paint would be everywhere. Glitter would be in every?crevice. Craft supplies are out of reach. My house would be destroyed if they weren?t. Maybe it shouldn?t matter because my house is destroyed half the time anyway. Boundless energy? I remember during my 3rd trimester with my third child my oldest two would start playing slumber party with me. They could tell all I wanted to do was lay on the couch, so they adjusted. ?I am not one of those moms who seems like the Energizer bunny. Playing in the dirt and mud? Then I?d have to clean it all up and there would probably be tears. There?s no time to jump in puddles because when it?s raining, we only go outside to get someplace. They can?t get soaking wet before we go. There would be tears because of the wet and cold. Patience of a saint? Let?s just say, ?Not so much.?
So, I?m not coming to you out of strength today but out of weakness. I am not one of those super moms whose house is always organized, kids are perfectly in line, runs around the yard non stop as she plays tags and always fosters an environment of creativity and growth, but why I am here today is because I?m trying to get better. ?First, let me introduce you to my husband.
He is a great man. He is truly a?renaissance?man with a variety of interests and talents. We have been married for 8 years and have been going to this church for about that long. The reason I wanted to introduce him is because I want to let you know that if you want to be intentional in your parenting, you first need to become intentional in your marriage. If you wants well balanced, stable children, you need to have peace in your home. I am reading a book called "Brain Rules for Babies," by John Medina. He's a leading scientist in the development in children's brains. Here is some info from his book:
- 83% of parents experience moderate to severe crisis in marriage during transition to parenthood.
- Marital quality decreases from 40-67% in the infant?s first year.