Enough for Everyone

It's been six weeks since we became parents of three under three! Six weeks seems like a very long time right now. It has been a much bigger adjustment than we imagined. Of course, it didn't help that we also moved two weeks after giving birth! I love the kids, love the house, love that it's finally summer, I even love that it's been a rainy summer because for the most part, my world has been minimized to the inside of my house. I really have no energy or brain for much else outside my four walls! And it's taken me a while to realize that it's ok. It's a season. I do get out...to church, the grocery store and my moms small group. The basics. That's it. :) But I'm learning to enjoy this time. These kiddos will only be this age once and these years are crucial to them. But the trick is giving them the mom they deserve when I'm sleep-deprived, exhausted and tired... oh, wait, those are all the same thing?

Patience and grace don't come easy these days; much less a cheerful, smiley, singing mom! I want them to remember a happy mom, not a crabby, yelling, impatient one. It's not rocket science, but it's way harder than you think. Being a parent to multiple kids in the baby-toddler stage is like an intense crash course in selfless patience and integrity. Just because I'm so exhausted and they are so needy doesn't mean they shouldn't get smiles and hugs. And they can see right through me sometimes. Am I teaching them the right ways to react to stress and hard work? When they make mistakes, do they experience grace?

There are so many huge life lessons being established here, besides the regular survival things to think about (like meals and diapers), it can be truly overwhelming! There are always several moments throughout the day when I feel like I'm just not enough, like there just isn't enough of me to meet all these needs at the same time!

Recently, though, I was reminded of so many promises to hang onto during this time: God's grace is enough! And in my weakness, He is strong! His mercies are new every morning and His love never fails! Many, many more... I shall be writing them on my new chalkboard wall so I can remember. I'm not enough for anyone, but Jesus is. That's what I want my kids to know.