As I push my cart down the cereal aisle, I see you. You’re the tired mom who cheerfully smiles as your kids tell you every detail about their day – at the same time. You’re the mom who scans the shelves for dinner ideas because meal planning just didn’t happen this week (or last week). You’re the mom who stares at the gift card end-cap display for the teacher, but whose mind is still at work.
The end of school finds each of us tired, disorganized, and looking for gifts. It also brings together big emotions, lots of activities, and more than a hint of tiredness.
So as we struggle to finish strong at year’s end, take these two grace-filled truths to heart:
Truth #1: You’re doing a great job
Sweet friend, let’s take stock of all you manage: work, the house, kids, small group, school events, your emotions, and the emotions of your people. That’s a lot.
And you know what? You’re doing it. You get it all done. Maybe life doesn’t look how you want it to look right now, e.g. the toilet needs cleaning, dinner means take-out, and your kids recycle dirty socks because there aren’t clean ones, but don’t give up.
At this time of year, when no one seems to notice and everyone needs a lot of time, supplies/gifts, and attention, know you’re doing a great job.
When you doubt me, know God sees you and knows all you do. Anything you do in love counts. Sweet friend, will you ask God how He sees you? Ask Him what He notices about your life, your pace, and all you do.
I wonder if He might say something like this:
“My sweet girl, I see you work so hard, help so many, and get it done. And I want you to know I love you so much! I am so delighted you are My girl. What you are doing is hard. Please know I don’t judge your meal-time shortcuts or how you forget an item on your weekly Target run. ”Disappointed“ is not how I feel about you. I am here to help and ready for you to ask Me to intervene. When you’re tired, just run back to Me. My arms are open wide to give you a great big hug when you feel restless, worried, and overwhelmed. You are My precious girl and I am just crazy about you.”
Truth #2: God is with you
Sweet friend, it’s amazing to hear you’re doing a great job, and it’s even more amazing to know God is with you. He’s with you today and He’ll be with you tomorrow.
So how does God’s presence impact your end-of-the-year life right now?
God’s presence brings you peace when you feel hurried and hassled, wondering how to do what needs doing.
God’s presence empowers you with patience and gentleness for yourself or others.
God’s presence gives you the strength to obey what He asks you to do today.
God’s presence through the Holy Spirit teaches you when you need guidance.
God’s presence means you are not responsible for holding together your schedule, emotions, or outcomes because He does it for you.
Fellow mama, you’re not alone as you approach the end of the school year. God is with you every minute, every class party, every awards assembly, and every grocery trip (because we know there will be five this week alone). God empowers, equips, surrounds, provides, and protects you. Because He empowers you through the end of the year, you will survive and thrive.
Embrace the truth
So mama as you push the cart through the grocery aisles this week, embrace the truth that you’re doing a great job and your almighty, all-powerful, all-for-you God is with you. Oh, and don’t forget the gift cards for the teachers – those are on the end-cap.
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