This is a post that is a lot easier said then done. Now, we are no longer living in that "post-baby phase" and we have pretty much established our new normal. But it is still hard sometimes--and I think everyone can relate. It is hard to wake up and feel like, "Game on. Let's do the work." Especially when "the work" is constantly changing-- as it is in everyone's lives. Of course, we can all tell ourselves to "just be strong and do the work" all day long, but to actually do it and feel courageous is a whole different ball game! It's a struggle.
I am constantly reminding myself of I Chronicles 28 and attempting to do the work in a "He's got this" kind-of-way. It is a daily prayer in our family.
Finding "Normal" originally posted in October 2011
After the addition of a new baby to a family, I think it is common to let a few things go as you adjust to your new life. You may get to-go food a few too many nights a week...(try 7) Or you may let the laundry pile turn into a mountain. You may let yourself off the hook for some social obligations. Your older child(ren) may watch more TV than you previously thought was acceptable. Whatever the case may be, for about 6 to 12 weeks post new baby, something's gotta give as you adjust to this new precious addition to your family. So you look around and you see your new (and old) chaos, but it just doesn't matter anymore. And all you really need to do is enjoy your baby and get sleep when you can because the dishes can wait. Life is in limbo, but you know that new routines will be established, you will sleep again, and everyone will adjust.
Well, we have been living in that newborn limbo for 13 months. I am not too proud to admit that over a year later, there are still bottles filling the sink (or the counters, if they made it that far), the theme song to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plays a few too many times, and wrappers from last night's burgers in the trashcan. When I was pregnant with Baby B, I had grand plans of what our day would look like and how I would juggle special time with each boy. I had ideas of lining up nap/rest times and bedtimes. The adjustment has taken quite a bit longer than I had anticipated, and I still find that I am allowing myself off the hook for typical daily responsibilities with the disclaimer that "Well, it's like I still have a new baby on 7 feedings a day."
And then I woke up the other day...errr, dragged myself out of bed when I was being summoned...and realized that it is time. It is time to establish some kind of a new normal even amoungst the bottle feedings and appointments. It is time to realize that this is exactly where God has me. This is the job that he has blessed me with, and it is a very special one for which I am so grateful.
A couple weeks ago, I was studying Bible verses on courage. I often pray courage for my family. And I came across this verse from 1 Chronicles 28:
Well, we have been living in that newborn limbo for 13 months. I am not too proud to admit that over a year later, there are still bottles filling the sink (or the counters, if they made it that far), the theme song to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plays a few too many times, and wrappers from last night's burgers in the trashcan. When I was pregnant with Baby B, I had grand plans of what our day would look like and how I would juggle special time with each boy. I had ideas of lining up nap/rest times and bedtimes. The adjustment has taken quite a bit longer than I had anticipated, and I still find that I am allowing myself off the hook for typical daily responsibilities with the disclaimer that "Well, it's like I still have a new baby on 7 feedings a day."
And then I woke up the other day...errr, dragged myself out of bed when I was being summoned...and realized that it is time. It is time to establish some kind of a new normal even amoungst the bottle feedings and appointments. It is time to realize that this is exactly where God has me. This is the job that he has blessed me with, and it is a very special one for which I am so grateful.
A couple weeks ago, I was studying Bible verses on courage. I often pray courage for my family. And I came across this verse from 1 Chronicles 28:
David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished..."
My eyes and my heart just focused in on David's instruction to his son to "do the work," not just once, but twice in this chapter. Do not let the fear of the size of the task be too overwhelming because God is with you. Don't be discouraged that you are an exhausted mother. Keep going, do the work. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Keep going because He is with you and He will not leave you...even in what seems to be too big of a job. Remember, He will not fail you. Earlier in verse 10, David is telling Solomon, "Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sactuary. Be strong and do the work."
Be strong and do the work.
So I have a choice to make.
A) I can continue to love and nurture my children in a sort of "survival" mode (i.e. too much TV & not enough reading, too many take out or frozen meals, crawling out of bed when they wake up, leaving chores for another day...)
OR
B) I can continue to love and nurture my children in a "He's Got This and I can do the work" mode.
Regardless, the love and nurture is always there, and regardless, there will always be days when it is okay to leave the dishes in the sink. But it's just how I get through the day to day. I have just felt like it is time to be more intentional, be strong, and do the work...even in this sleep deprived state.
I choose option B. Do the work that God has given me to do today, each day. I will probably still have hard days...days where it all feels like too much. Days that I long to "fix" my child's health. Days where dinner might not get done. And that will be OK. Don't expect to see a spotless house if you come visit...But I am tired of living in this "post new baby" state of mind. (My hair is tired of being here, too.) It is time to find some kind of new normal and do the work...whatever that work might be each day. And be grateful that I have such precious work to do!
I choose option B. Do the work that God has given me to do today, each day. I will probably still have hard days...days where it all feels like too much. Days that I long to "fix" my child's health. Days where dinner might not get done. And that will be OK. Don't expect to see a spotless house if you come visit...But I am tired of living in this "post new baby" state of mind. (My hair is tired of being here, too.) It is time to find some kind of new normal and do the work...whatever that work might be each day. And be grateful that I have such precious work to do!
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