Permission to be Different

I’ve never been one to follow a crowd or “do” what everyone else does. I know this may come as a shocker to some, but I’ve never seen an entire episode of the Simpsons nor was I a fan of The New Kids on the Block. 

Here is Your Permission to be Different

I’ve always been somewhat of a dreamer, goal setter, entrepreneur type. I would make signs and hang them on my bedroom door just in-case someone wanted to rent a “library book” from me. I made paper dolls out of old magazines and played for hours. I also played with dolls on my back deck for much longer than your average little girl. My favorite Sunday morning thing to do after church, was circle open houses and look in the Sunday news at all of the job openings. People, I could not make this stuff up.

I share this with you as a key to my inside world. A world filled with the building of stories and making things happen. So often as adults we are afraid to be “different“. We want what our neighbor has, the bigger house, the nicer car, the bigger boat, and “cooler” clothes. We are left feeling unsettled. We want different results but fear really being “different“. Going against the norm looks scary. It overwhelms us and we freeze! 

All while simultaneously, we are quick to encourage independence, self confidence, and uniqueness to our children. We want for our children that which we feel we can’t achieve. The unthinkable, the unimaginable, the unbelievable dreams; the kind that leave the nay-Sayers watching in awe and wonder. 

The truth is, I venture to say deep down most of us at some time have felt a bit “different”. I’m here to tell you “that’s OK”! It is OK to be unique in every way imaginable. Be you! Be great! To be different is to think different, and that ultimately will yield a “different” outcome than those around.

What does different look like to you? 

   
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Motherhood; A Race Worth Running

I don’t know about you, but there are times I just fall right off the meal planning train. You know that good intentioned printed sheet with food items scheduled to make and eat each day. Sometimes, my best efforts to plan still end in failure and that’s OK. I think?

However, as my loving husband put it “I hit an all time domestic low. ” Uh-oh! What did I do?  Do you want to guess? 
 I sent him to work with a can of soup. Nope, it wasn’t homemade. There was no fancy sandwich and no spectacular dinner left overs. The soup was organic and gluten free but none the less my lack of planning officially has caught up to me. Good thing for Gods grace and an understanding husband. 
The truth is life sometimes just gets crazy, we get tired, and well, sometimes we just don’t want to do it. We don’t want to shop, cook, clean, teach, or do work: but, we do it regardless.
It is these moments I am reminded to “embrace my calling” as a mother. The services I provide to my family, my attitude, and my perseverance to run this race that so many mothers have run before me, really does matter. 

The Night I Quit

We’ve all been there; you know the days that drag on with kids acting disobediently and your own emotions running particularly high as a result. With every mean thing uttered and every failed listening ear; you begin to wonder where have you gone wrong? I just want to quit! 


Last week as my husband traveled for work I was blessed with one of those days. Was I speaking a language they did not recognize? 

“No more electronics”

“Stop running… Someone will get hurt”

“Time to get ready for bed”

“Ummmm…hello, it’s bed time”

I sat, in total disbelief. My heart heavy and tears burning the back of my eyes. Clearly I just want to throw in the towel and quit; but, moms can’t quit. It’s the job that you can’t quit at; or can you? I say the words. “I quit!” I repeat it as the noise volume is at decibels most should never experience. “I quit!” 

I am hurt, angry, and very frustrated. I tell the kids they were suppose to be in bed 15 minutes prior and that their in charge; clearly they think I’m joking. I begin to do my nightly chores; fold laundry, put clothes away, evening straightening from a day of chaos, lesson plans, and dirty dishes. They watch attentively as mom moved busily about. I remind them that there is school in the morning and act responsibly. Children need sleep. 

9:00 rolls around; they are still up. Calmly I ask if they remember where their beds are as I’m not “doing” bedtime tonight. Three sad faces blank staring back at me; I feel it, I can’t quit. They need me despite their immature behavior. I am responsible to train them and guide their ignorance and immaturity. I want to bang my head on the counter. Grumpily, I put one by one in their beds. Apologies are said before night slumbers and thanksgivings given for yes, even the days we want to quit. 

We are called to a job of no turning back: a constant selflessness and pouring of self. It is a job with no monies paid but hugs a plenty: there is no quitting, no end, and no perfect method. We are all perfectly imperfect sinners just trying to figure this thing called life out. (Tweet This)

1000 Gifts of Mothering

1. Boo Boo kisses
2. Midnight kisses
3. Snuggles while reading good books
4. Butterfly Kisses
5. I Love You’s a plenty
6. Imperfect days with sincere apologies
7. Chances to make all wrongs right
8. Childrens laughter
9. Busy chatter among siblings
10. My big family