Makey Mess

"MOM! Kate makey mess!" I heard from the kitchen as I was finishing up the last few things to get us out of the door to drop Will off at school on time. (I've noticed that Kate calls me "Mom" instead of "Mama" when she thinks she might be in trouble, yes she's 2 going on 13!)When I came around the corner she gasped and looked down at the pile of Lucky Charms like "how did that happen?!?" When I asked Kate to help me clean it up, she just kept STARING at the mess. One glance at the kitchen clock, and I knew I had to get a move on (as MY mama would say :o). I started scooping up handfuls of cereal and continued trying to encourage Kate to help me. Once I got all of the large pieces scooped up and back in the bag ... yes, I'm one of THOSE moms, I grabbed the vacuum to collect all of the Lucky Charms dust that was still in a pile on the floor. I had to maneuver all around my sweet little girl, because she was still staring at the mess.

Later that afternoon, when the messmaker was napping, I was thinking about the events of our morning rush. Then it hit me. Our life has been in high gear lately and honestly, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. But instead of doing anything about it, I have just been staring at the mess.

Some things just needed to go. Facebook. Ugh. I heart facebook - way too much, just being real! I hated to deactivate my account. How would I know who was having a baby? I'd miss out on the last minute trips to Chick-fil-a. And the pictures, oh how I love to look at people's pictures. BUT, over and over again, I was feeling convicted that I was giving fb too much of my time. I tried limiting myself, but it just wasn't working. SO I deactivated and it's amazing how much more I've gotten done during Kate's nap time this week. Maybe one day I'll be old enough to manage a facebook account wisely :o)

Some things needed to be re-organized or scheduled. When I first began staying at home after teaching for several years, I quickly made out "lesson plans" for my days. I just couldn't help it. Over the past few years, I've gotten away from that, but I recently realized how helpful it is for me to have a plan for my days. I know it won't all always get done and sometimes none of it will be accomplished, but at least I have an idea of how our day might play out.

Some things just are the way they are. I decided that I need to stop complaining about the little league schedule. Yes, I think it's a bit much for 6 year olds to have three 2-2 1/2 hour practices a week. This week we have a double header on Monday night and another game on Thursday. It sometimes frustrates me a little, okay a lot. BUT, Will loves it. John loves it. Kate loves it. Once I get there, I enjoy it too. So, it's only temporary and it is something that we can do together as a family. I'm choosing to put a smile on my face (a real one) the next time the coach texts that we're going to have an extra practice.

These are just a few things that have been making the days a little crazy lately. Instead of being discouraged, exhausted, and feeling guilty over not getting things done the way I want them to be done - you know, STARING at the MESS, I'm going to get up and do something about the things I can do something about. Time is precious, and I don't want to waste one minute!

"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? ...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:27 &33