I am sure you have seen the movie, “Nemo.” For a variety of reasons, my favorite character is Dory. Throughout the movie, you’ll see her singing, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”
How many days do you feel you are treading water, with the need to scream out, “JUST KEEP SWIMMING!” As Moms trying to juggle monster to-do lists, endless sports commitments, and homework battles we can feel quite overwhelmed.
Monotonous Mom responsibilities can feel like running on a hamster wheel, and I sometimes wonder if I will ever be able to exit. From laundry (and I mean lots of smelly laundry), to meals, to dishes, all the way to just everyday pick-up can seem endless. Honestly, the meals wouldn’t be so bad if a dish fairy magically appeared to clean it all up, anybody?
As I lay my weary head down every night, I wonder, are the very things I prayed for separating me from living a fulfilled life? Do I love my husband and my children, but hate my life? Am I letting social status dictate my decisions? Is my job taking over the real me? Are the relationships in my life drawing me closer to who I really want to be or further away?
All of us are enduring different battles, some internal and some external. Emotions come in like a wrecking ball distracting us from our most prized blessings. The most spiritual thing we can do at times is to show up in spite of the battles because in those moments we are trusting in our faith as the life-preserver to keep us afloat.
What might seem like trivial tasks today are actually preparing us for tomorrow’s calling. Our faithfulness, integrity, diligence, and character are developed in those mundane duties we sometimes deem unimportant. This is Real Life – we have to stop wishing for the next best thing. Cravings for success can truly inhibit us from enjoying the blessings of today.
Our ordinary responsibilities are actually privileges of our biggest blessings. Realization sets in when complaints about my busy life with kids, sports and school would not exist if it wasn’t for the blessing of my family. These normal activities are preparing us for a future, by reminding us of how truly blessed we are. What is the one thing older parents always tell younger parents? “Enjoy them while you can, they grow up way too fast.”
Moms, the days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy your days, even in the ordinary, because if it was all taken away, your routine would be forever changed. Whatever season of life this is for you, I encourage you to repeat Dory’s words, “Just keep swimming…just keep swimming!”
Be Real ~ Be You!
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