Teach them to walk in Truth

This is a mish-mash of thoughts streaming through my head as of late. …About Motherhood… awareness… mindfulness… teaching truth… survival… joyful moments.  I don’t have time or brain power to filter through it all… so yes, it’s a bit lengthy.

1. My blog friend Jenifer shared this insight related to Mosiah 4:14-15, “we realized that our natural tendency is to be upset when our kids don’t do what we want them to do. Upset that they haven’t learned yet, instead of concerned and excited to TEACH them.” That is sooooo me… way too often. Teaching children to LIVE IN TRUTH and LOVE ONE ANOTHER is so very important, isn’t it. Teach instead of Lecture… teach instead of hollering… teach instead of trying to force… teach with LOVE… these are my goals.

2. I recently had a conversation with my sis, Janers, about mindfulness, a Buddhist principle. “Continuous, clear awareness of the present moment. An attentive awareness of the reality of things … always returning to this moment.” She shared the insight of living in the moment and not worrying about all the other things you could be doing… to be simple in your expectations and BE with your kids instead of trying to multi-task.   Yes, we all have to multi-task sometimes.  This is life.  But whenever possible, I can focus my attention on one child and hear him/her out instead of half-listening while checking email, etc.  This principle goes hand-in-hand with LIVING IN TRUTH. If I see things as they really are, hopefully I won’t feel as overwhelmed by the daily stuff.

Mindful awareness recognizes that each experience is temporary, and with practice, you can learn to ride the waves of everyday life, allowing each one to arise, peak, and pass away, as all experiences do. Mindful awareness can help you notice and derive greater enjoyment from the simple, subtle pleasures of life as a mom – the way the light shines on your little one’s fuzzy head, or the grasp of his hand on your finger – no matter what else may be going on.

Mindful Motherhood is a way of approaching the ups and downs of… motherhood with open eyes and an open heart. It involves … seeing the world in a new way. You are more and more often able to meet what is happening as it is and to make a choice about how to respond that is based on the actual situation and your values, rather than reacting unconsciously or habitually. {Mindful Motherhood}

I know this is an important principle to stay sane (and endure well) as a mother of young children.  With 5 kids under 8 (3 of those under 3), I get overwhelmed physically and emotionally very easily. On those DIG DEEP DAYS, when I’m having a hard time digging deep, I call Jimmy several times a day for some emotional support so I can keep going with love in my heart. sigh…  He’s a good chap to endure my emotions.

As I head into this week flying solo and still recuperating, my goal is to enjoy all the golden moments… to be aware of the good, even if it’s just a moment. Enjoying Tru’s little pudgy fingers rubbing my arm. Sparkly eyes and smile from Max. Hannah going the extra mile to help. Abe being a peacemaker. Sighs and snuggles from Eliza. Hugs from Jimmy. Time to breathe, rest, and maybe even smile. Funny moments of laughing as a family. These are things that happen, but don’t always last throughout the day. But… they DO happen … and make life enjoyable.

I am aware that my tots are growing up… slowly but surely. I will miss the good things about each stage. Especially with newborn Eliza, I want to appreciate the sweet, quiet moments with her little spirit, straight from heaven. It’s hard when things are always so bonkers with the other 4, but the other night when it was dark and quiet, I knew it was important to appreciate that moment, even if I was tired. As Jenifer mentioned, if you concentrate on enjoying that moment, instead of wishing you were asleep, it won’t seem quite as dreary to be up in the middle of the night. Hard to remember… but a good thing.

I know as I recognize the MOMENTS and say a prayer of gratitude, my mind and heart will stay soft and full of LOVE for my children. I hope I can train myself to be mindful of the good and stay positive. I know the next few months will try my patience and energy level.  My goal is to think often… “I am grateful for this moment.”

3. I love this quote that my AFG friend Jill Carpenter shared. We all need encouragement, don’t we! I get discouraged way too often, and I need to remember that the Lord is my strength and encouragement when times are challenging… (like cleaning up poop off carpet and clothes and diapers from 3 littles allllll day long… or 5 little people needing me at the same time… or that killer 4-8 afternoon shift).  Plus, we are not alone.  Other moms are going through the same things.  We can do it together, right?  With God, all things are possible!

So – I’m trying… I’m not there yet. I’m honestly pretty bad most days at living these 3 points I just mentioned…. but I’m trying… and praying that I’ll do better so I can be a more loving and righteous mother of these 5 tots (still can’t believe I have 5 kids, by the way… I’m still a little girl myself…sigh…)