Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Motherhood

I was talking to my mom on the phone Monday afternoon after having worked Sunday night.

"I hate myself today!" I told her truthfully. "I am the meanest Mommy in the world! I have absolutely no patience, I am yelling way too much, ..."

"You're not mean," she broke in. "You're tired. There is a big difference! You know that! And I think that if you explain it to your kids, they'll understand, too."

"Well, maybe," I replied half-heartedly. "But I sure feel mean."

She was right, of course. I was exhausted, with a migraine that no amount of ibuprofen or caffeine was able to help. But that was no excuse for my terrible behavior and short temperedness, so I gathered my babies close to me and loved on each one of them, apologizing for my grumpiness and asking their forgiveness. The day did get better (and not surprisingly, so did my headache), but I still felt sick at heart when I thought of how out-of-control I had allowed the morning to become. I couldn't escape the memory of their tears or wounded expressions. They had happily rebounded, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I had failed them--particularly in light of my recent Lenten resolution.

Darren and I talked about it and prayed together for a long time last night after all the kids were asleep. And when we finally went to bed, I felt much better, more at peace, than I have in a very long time. I woke up this morning feeling so rejuvenated and optimistic about life, motherhood, homeschooling, and so in love with my dear husband and precious children.

Overcome with gratitude this morning, I said to my kids, "I am so, so lucky to have been given all three of you kids--exactly you!--just exactly the way you are. To have been given such gifts, God must surely love me very, very much."

"And us," Dylan responded. "And Daddy, too."

Indeed, son.

I know that I'm not a failure. I'm just an imperfect mother doing her best to, with the help of God's grace, perfectly love the incredible family with which she's been blessed.

5 comments:

He who wears the most black wins. said...

You make me cry.

Thank you for your openness and your gift to your fellow mothers. I don't know if it's Lent or not, but I have sure been struggling with the same thing.

We said a family rosary tonight and I could feel the power in it. I noticed Steve tearing up too. I know we are being broken down so that we can be raised up-- so we can praise and thank with a full heart.

I love you, friend.

Melissa said...

Okay, Nicole, now you've made ME cry!

Thank you, friend. I love you too!

Mom of boys said...

You cannot be worse than I have been - I think neighbors must believe me to be a raving lunatic!


All moms get tired, and yelling manifests itself even more when we are exhausted without much break time. I am convinced that these stages pass. Kids have a remarkable ability to bounce back from a loving parent's occasional bad day. God made them that way on purpose! :)

Suzanne Temple said...

This is just wonderful, Melissa!

Ladybug Mommy Maria said...

Beautiful post, Melissa - and we've all been there!

Hugs to you for your humility and showing your children they don't have to be perfect!