Since having my fourth child two years ago, I've been worn down. It's almost impossible to do anything without having to constantly stop and take care of something. Even when I started typing this post, I had to stop and break up two fights, put one kid in time out TWICE, fix a broken toy, and clean up not one spill, but THREE spills (not joking!). A five minute post has now taken me two hours to type.
I often question why God would call me to the writing ministry when half the time I can't think clear enough to call my children by their right names.
I laughed as a mom of three toddlers told me she’s so mentally and physically exhausted when her kids go to bed that she turns on the television so she doesn't have to use her brain.
Through the exhaustion and craziness, God has been reminding me this is just a phase, and it won’t last forever. My kids will grow and then I'll miss these days, so I might as well enjoy them now.
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
Stepping away for a few minutes to be with God each day helps me re-energize. My husband's walked into our closet or our bathroom and found me hiding out for a moment to catch my breath. I often drive to the stores that are further away so I can have a few more minutes of peace and quiet to be alone with God.
I believe God has given mothers special grace to raise their children with joy in the midst of chaos. So when your kids are wearing you down, know that you’re not alone. Slip away for a moment and receive the grace God has available for you.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9