Working Mom Woes

I've been juggling work, writing, volunteer, and home duties for going on three years. Needless to say, I'm exhausted. Each area has its own rewards, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. But today, I have to raise the Working Mom flag.

My kids have fall parties at school. (Let's call them what they really are...Halloween parties.) I was able to take it easy with two classes by purchasing napkins for one child and forks for the other. But the mom in me wanted to bake something for someone, so I signed up for pumpkin cookies for my oldest. Before I had a full-time job, I would have made pumpkin flavored cookies AND pumpkin shaped cookies for those who don't like pumpkin flavored things. (Shout out to my cubicle pal at work who falls into that camp!) But I have a couple hours of multitasking email checks, book reading, dinner making, and cookie baking (can I get an "amen"?), so I'm down to one yummy batch instead of two Pinterest fails.

My husband recently took a new job that allows him to stay on our side of town. I thought that would help things, but his hours require him to head in early. (Before-I-get-up early. 5 happens only once on my clock. I'm sad to say I see 6 twice...) So I have to rely quite heavily on my mom when I have meetings, tapings, and other things that require my in-office presence. But I have an issue coming up that I just can't solve.

Once a month, we have an off-site staff meeting. It's a great time of fellowship and shop talk. We learn about each other's lives and projects. This coming month, my middle child is receiving an award at a school assembly...on that very same day at that very same time. Of course, my family takes priority over work. Thankfully, I'm employed at a place that champions that philosophy. But I'll miss that meeting, which is important to me.

I've been on both sides of the mom coin. I got to stay home with my kids when they were young, but I didn't exactly relish every moment. I often bemoaned not having a purpose in life, which prompted my writing career. I wished for adult interaction. I ticked away the days, longing for more. Now that I'm a working mom, I have more purpose than I can handle. I wish to retreat from all interaction. And the days fly by. I can't grasp onto them long enough to cover everything.

All that to say, wherever you are...whatever stage of momming (as I like to call it) you may be in...enjoy it. If you're a dad, same thing applies. (If you're neither, take a deep breath and go read my books!) Cling to those little family moments and cherish them. Life is crazy and complicated.

Make time for your passion. It will keep you going. Sometimes, my writing feels like work, but if I don't do it, I get frustrated and grumpy. It's my outlet, and I need it.

Be grateful for work. I know too many people who are underemployed or without jobs at all. I'm thankful for what I do and the opportunities it brings. And I adore the people on my team and our mission.

I'm speaking to myself as much as anyone. Sometimes, I just get a bad attitude about all the different calls placed on my life. I have to step back, change my perspective, and tackle the situation again. I have to resist the Supermom persona and let people help. I have to get on my knees, close my eyes, and surrender control to the One Who loves me. For in Him, I am strong.