Don't lose it. It's there, in those everyday moments. I look for it -- and you can too. In fact, here are six little {intentional} ways you can find beautiful joy in motherhood.
1} Keep your eyes open. Not as in awake, which if you've got very young children is a feat in itself, but rather your eyes open to the little small things that your children do around you. Things they see. Or say. Or share. When your eyes are open -- when you're aware -- you will begin to notice snippets of beauty throughout the mundane of the day. Their joy will eventually become your joy.
2} Get down on their level. Seriously. If your toddler can't see above the counter than get down there and view the world the way he does. Remember how you were just getting after him for not pulling on the handle to the cabinet? Well, once you see the world at his height you'll realize that it wasn't because he wasn't listening, but rather it was the only way to put the cup on the counter - where you asked them to place it. Changes the perspective, doesn't it? Getting down also creates an entire world of play. Your kids see you eye to eye. And you can laugh right by each other.
3} Let it go. Put away the parenting magazines, and cute baby shows on tlc, and the decorating ideas, and even those blogs. We're all just people. With ideas. That we share. But, God made each of us unique -- the mom to each of those kids in your home -- and we're the perfect mom for those kids. While the ideas in the parenting magazine look amazing if you base success and joy and happiness on having the "ideal" birthday party or homeschool plan or perfect diy kids project, well, then, discontent can rear it's ugly head. I know. And that? That robs joy.
4) Pray over them at night. While they're sleeping. That super hard day -- the day where the toliet overflowed because they flushed a toy doughnut down it {just ask me how I know} and the day when the permanent marker got used on the hardwood floor and the same day where someone decided to eat all the pickles in the pickle jar -- is just a day. And at night, those cute little faces look angelic. And perfect. So pray over them. And the day? It will fade away.
5) Don't keep a record. Of wrongs. And specifically your own mistakes. It's all too easy to base one's day and parenting moments on mistakes. Maybe your temper was short one day -- it doesn't define you as a mother -- instead take the moment, learn from it, and move on. Remember the Lord's mercies are new every morning. And, don't be afraid to admit mistakes. There are many times where I come in, and look my kids in the eye, and tell them, "I'm sorry." We're not perfect. I try to live and honor the Lord in all I do -- parenting and all.
6) Love what they love. Watch their television shows. Read their books. Play soccer in the backyard. Listen to their music. Learn to love their interests their passions. God created them unique. You as their parent are blessed with the glorious and beautiful gift to help them uncover their gifts. Embrace this time. It's short.
Why joy? And why joy in motherhood? Some history. About five years ago, right when my husband was finishing up treatment for cancer, I came to the realization that I was living my life on hold -- waiting for the "ideal" setting and perfect scenario to happen before I would be happy -- and I was miserable. I was quickly convicted that my life, the right now, was to be lived fully. Embracing the everyday. The ups and downs. And surrendering my heart while seeking the gifts of joy, the gems, tucked within.
I know that you all have your own sweet and beautiful ways in which you view motherhood and joy and life. I'd love to hear your favorites -- even if it's, "let your kids have ice cream for dinner in the summer just once." Because we do that. And they love it.
Be blessed. And tell those sweet ones in your life you love them. That would be #7.
