Mommy Lifelines

I can honestly say that since the girls were born two and half months ago, I have been working harder than I ever have in my life. I have an around the clock job, which on average means I’m putting in 15 hour days, and then am “on call” for the remaining hours while my kids are sleeping. There aren’t designated lunch breaks or vacation days to take. The closest thing to a break is nap time, when I cross my fingers that all the kids stay sleeping long enough for me to have a cup of coffee, do a couple loads of laundry, or work on my blog. This mom thing truly is a 24 hour 7 day a week gig.

I’m not telling you all this to get a pat on the back. Moms aren’t moms to get pats on the back. We’re moms because we love our kids, and having the opportunity to do that is all the reward we need. I’m telling you this because I’m tired, and there are times when I just pray that God gives me the grace to get to the end of the day. I’m telling you this because if you are a mom, then I know you can relate. Whether your job is a stay-at-home mom or you work outside of the home and then go home to your kids, you know this exhaustion that I’m talking about. Most importantly, I’m telling you this because I want to remind you that you are NOT alone. It’s funny though, because sometimes it’s pretty easy to feel like you are, isn’t it?! Sometimes being a mom can feel isolating. We wonder if we’re the only ones feeling a little overwhelmed, and if it’s even okay to feel like that.

I’ve learned many things since becoming a mommy of three, but perhaps the most significant thing I’ve learned is that I need to lean on the emotional support of my circle of friends and others who are going through a similar season. Satan has tried so many times to get in my brain and try to tell me that I can’t do it, or that I’m not cut out to be a mom of twins. However, GOD IS STRONGER and has put this amazing hedge of protection around me. The Holy Spirit has been working in the hearts of my friends and family to encourage me at the exact points when I need it. And I have to say, many of these encouraging words have come through people using technology. While I may not have much time to get together in person or even talk on the phone, I do have a few moments while I’m pumping or during the middle of the night to check my phone for email, texts, Instagram, and get advice from my fellow mommies of twins group on Facebook. Thank you if you have reached out to me…I pray that God’s blessings abound upon you richly. (Now having two free hands to respond in a timely fashion…that can be a different story. Thanks to all of you who’ve had grace for me in this area!)

My point is, if you have one of those tough mommy days, or tough mommy months, reach out to someone you trust. Use a lifeline, and send out an SOS text or phone call. Find someone who understands how much effort it takes to raise kids, how much effort it takes you to get the kids from point A to point B without chaos breaking out…who understands what a miracle it was that you were able to sneak in a shower that day! I guarantee this person will tell you that it gets better, and will remove the tunnel vision that can creep in. It’s okay to be tired, it’s okay to admit that you need encouragement. When we humble ourselves, God is able to use community as he intended it. And we come out feeling like we CAN be the mom He’s designed us to be. We come out confident in our abilities to love our littles, and we’re recharged to work harder than we ever have before.

May God’s spirit dwell in your hearts and minds today, fellow mommies. May you know without a shadow of doubt that you are doing a great job and are so loved!

Love,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!