I'm having an off day. Again. Actually, the days that are really, truly on days are so few and far between that maybe I should call those my off days and face the hard, cold reality that my life is full of off days and then maybe I'd feel really blessed on the days that I accomplish something worth while.
As it is, though, I'm struggling with going to bed at a decent hour and rising at a decent hour. (This night owl just can't seem to make herself into an early bird no matter how hard she tries.) Usually I wake up when my early bird girl greets me with "tea" in bed around 7-7:15. Then I usually spend a few more minutes there before I stumble out of bed take her to the potty and then begin the list of 500 things that my kids need me to do for them during the day.
The largest problem with this pattern is: no shower. It's really, really a bad thing. But there are other bad things that go along with it, such as the feeling that I'm always two (okay, maybe ten) steps behind my kids and what I need to be doing. So, I decided I need to set an alarm. I know, I know--a real novel idea! But that's what I did. However, it just doesn't seem to work. The alarm is on Jesse's side of the bed, he hits it and tells me that it's gone off. But I hear neither him nor the alarm clock, so guess who is waking me up... that's right, early bird girl! Which is when I realize that I've slept in again and won't be getting a shower until um.... tonight, or maybe never.
Bleh! and Wahhhh! I know, I know you wanted to be a part of my pity party today, right? (Sorry.)
On a happier note, I guess I did accomplish a few things:
*I visited with a roofing guy and then called my insurance adjuster and set up an appointment.
*I folded one load of laundry... yes, it is Tuesday and Monday is laundry day and I have 3 more loads to go.
*I took my kids and met up with my sister for an hour at the park, where she was quite entertained because I had let Diego wear his mid-drift Thomas Tank Engine T-shirt one last time before I put it away.
*We actually did school today-second day in a row this week. Impressive, eh?
*I've changed this kid's diaper a few times. His bottom and my nose both appreciate that effort!
So, now that I've looked at my list, I'm realizing the reason I'm considering this an off day is that (besides the fact that I didn't wake up when I wanted to and didn't get a shower) the things on my list don't have visible end product. Maybe that's why I like crafts and baking. I can see an accomplishment when I'm done. The other stuff, even though I know it's important mommy stuff just recycles itself. Tomorrow, I'll have to call the roofing guy again and maybe make another appointment with him. There's always one more load of laundry to do. The kids will want to go to the park again tomorrow, now that they realize it's nice enough to do that. School will always need to be taught and that baby likes to fill his diaper on a regular basis.
I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - Phillipians 4:11-13 (The Message)
As it is, though, I'm struggling with going to bed at a decent hour and rising at a decent hour. (This night owl just can't seem to make herself into an early bird no matter how hard she tries.) Usually I wake up when my early bird girl greets me with "tea" in bed around 7-7:15. Then I usually spend a few more minutes there before I stumble out of bed take her to the potty and then begin the list of 500 things that my kids need me to do for them during the day.
The largest problem with this pattern is: no shower. It's really, really a bad thing. But there are other bad things that go along with it, such as the feeling that I'm always two (okay, maybe ten) steps behind my kids and what I need to be doing. So, I decided I need to set an alarm. I know, I know--a real novel idea! But that's what I did. However, it just doesn't seem to work. The alarm is on Jesse's side of the bed, he hits it and tells me that it's gone off. But I hear neither him nor the alarm clock, so guess who is waking me up... that's right, early bird girl! Which is when I realize that I've slept in again and won't be getting a shower until um.... tonight, or maybe never.
Bleh! and Wahhhh! I know, I know you wanted to be a part of my pity party today, right? (Sorry.)
On a happier note, I guess I did accomplish a few things:
*I visited with a roofing guy and then called my insurance adjuster and set up an appointment.
*I folded one load of laundry... yes, it is Tuesday and Monday is laundry day and I have 3 more loads to go.
*I took my kids and met up with my sister for an hour at the park, where she was quite entertained because I had let Diego wear his mid-drift Thomas Tank Engine T-shirt one last time before I put it away.
*We actually did school today-second day in a row this week. Impressive, eh?
So, now that I've looked at my list, I'm realizing the reason I'm considering this an off day is that (besides the fact that I didn't wake up when I wanted to and didn't get a shower) the things on my list don't have visible end product. Maybe that's why I like crafts and baking. I can see an accomplishment when I'm done. The other stuff, even though I know it's important mommy stuff just recycles itself. Tomorrow, I'll have to call the roofing guy again and maybe make another appointment with him. There's always one more load of laundry to do. The kids will want to go to the park again tomorrow, now that they realize it's nice enough to do that. School will always need to be taught and that baby likes to fill his diaper on a regular basis.
I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - Phillipians 4:11-13 (The Message)
So, why is it that this stuff makes me feel like I've done nothing? Why am I disappointed when that's all I've done? It's cheer worthy, too! I'm changing lives one dirty diaper at a time. I guess I need to learn to celebrate these little things, too. That and have a content and happy heart even when I don't get any visable projects done. What do you do when you feel like you're having an "off-day"? Advice, please!
2 comments:
I like to see results for my efforts too! But you are so right that most things we mommys do during the day can't be seen. Something I do to help the off days is remind myself that tomorrow is a brand new day!
If I do somebody else's dishes, even though I know they will pile up again soon, I feel better because I've lightened someone's load and done it as unto the Lord. : )
Those mundane, on-going tasks seem like they aren't worthwhile, but if you do it "as unto the Lord", they will glorify Him, and that's something that will never burn up! I love you!
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