We can do HARD things

This has turned out to be the theme for the week. Mostly because this week was really, really hard. My friend Diana used “We can do hard things” as their family theme last year. And ever since then I’ve wondered if I really could do hard things. I think I’m an utter wimp sometimes. I certainly don’t want to have to do hard things. But in the end, I’ve come to the conclusion that with God (and ONLY with God), I can do hard things. As a family, with God, we can do hard things. I think it’s a really important message to instill in our children. We all survived this week… that’s a plus.

A few examples…

Mornings: Jimmy started a new job this week. This means instead of him getting the kids off to school and driving them to the bus before heading to work, he is leaving at 6:40 or so. Which means slow-poke Mom is in charge of getting the tots off. I know I’m a complete wimp, but mornings are hard for me. Some days this means I drive the kids since we missed the bus. Some days this means cold cereal – again. But even though I don’t like to start the chaos so early, I’ve been able to do it. He Gives me Strength!

Wednesday morning 6 a.m.: I didn’t know how I’d make it through the day. Abe had gotten up several times during the night to tell us he had a cough. He kept coming in just as I’d finally fallen back to sleep. I was tired. Hannah had been home sick all week. It’s draining to stay on top of sick kiddos. But by the end of the day, I could see how Heavenly Father gave me strength to take care of the kids and keep going. Even after Jimmy had to go to scouts, I got the kids in bed by myself on time (truly a miracle). It really is amazing how much we can handle when we rely on the Lord.

Potty Training: This is a conversation I have about 20 times a day with Max as we’ve been spending lots of time in the bathroom.

Max: “Ohhhh, Go Potty.”
Mom: “Quick, run to the bathroom.”
Mom: “Pull down your pants and your underwear.”
Max: “It’s way hard.”
Mom: “You can do it. You need to try.”
… one day after 20 minutes of crying and trying to get that poop out …
Max: “It’s too hard. I go pee-pee. I all done. Maybe later.”
Mom: “You can do hard things. Keep trying.”
… mission accomplished …
Mom: “Ok, flush the toilet.”
Max: “I can’t. It’s hard.”
Mom: “You can do it. Push down hard.”

This has been my week. Sorry for the potty talk. But for reals… for a 3-year-old, that is a hard thing. Pulling up and down pants is quite a challenge. But he’s learning… a lot. Plus, he’s learning that he can do hard things. Oh, the joy in accomplishment, especially in basic life skills.

Jimmy: Have to put in a plug for Jimmy on this topic. This man can do hard things… like deal with his ornery tired wife who’s coughing up a lung all night. Like make dinner even though I know he’s tired from work. He’s willing to make up where I can’t manage. Mostly I feel bad that I can’t do more this week, but I’m grateful that he’s willing to put up with hard circumstances.