Dear Mama who is home with the little ones,
There is something I need to share, something on my heart. You see, I have little ones too. And, when you’re home with your little ones, there seems to be much to juggle and little time. There are meals to cook and piles of laundry and dust in the corners. There are bills to pay and schedules to manage. There are diapers to change and faces to wash. (And if you’re homeschooling? There’s that too.)
There are always little voices asking for a banana or a story or a hug.
There are many demands.
There are also people. And while most people are truly supportive, there is the odd voice that tells you that you’re doing it wrong. Perhaps, it’s your own voice telling you this loudest of all. That you make too many mistakes. That because your contribution to the home isn’t monetary, it doesn’t really matter. That you’re wasting your life. That what you’re doing isn’t enough.
That you aren’t enough.
And what do you do all day, anyway?
I feel it too. Last week, my children were especially trying and I was especially tired. I didn’t get enough accomplished. I was grumpy with guilt. And as much as I know that I’m called to this, part of me wanted to give up. So I did the only thing I could do. I took it to Jesus. Every messy little bit of it.
As I poured it all out, the Holy Spirit breathed words into my heart and, with the words, breathed peace.
It’s okay that this is challenging. You have permission to be tired. Grace is a soft pillow for tired hearts.
His words brought instant release.
Some days will be harder than others. Some months will be harder than others. Admitting that it’s hard doesn’t mean that you’re throwing in the towel. It just means that it’s hard.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
Being home with your little ones is so, so important. And this season of life is short. For those of us who thrive on immediate incentives, however, it can be difficult to focus on the bigger picture. There are no breaks; there are few pats on the back; and there is no paycheck at the end of the week. We forget that this is perhaps the most important and worthwhile thing we could ever do.
But there is One who strengthens us for the task. There is an abundance of grace.
So, dear mama, if you’re tired? That’s okay.
Grace is a soft pillow for tired hearts.
The Grace-Filled Life 
Another great post as per usual Mary-Ann! Tweeting & pinning this gem 🙂
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Thank you, Rachael!
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Ah, life with lots of littles. It’s hard and seems like it will never end. It will. Then there will be new seasons to learn and grow from. One thing that seems to be missing from modern life is the lack of community for SAHM’s. My neighborhood is empty during the day except for the retired. There’s no moms talking across backyards or kids running back and forth among the various houses on the street like there was when I was a child in the ’70’s. The isolation, the lack of real help and being the sole entertainment for the children take their toll on the mother with little ones. As difficult as it is, it is still worth it. I’ll never regret it.
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Definitely worth it! As busy as this season can be at times, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!
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Thank you for this. My son is three in a few days and I have a twenty-one-month-old girl, too. Oh my. I thought it was hard with a toddler and a newborn – try two toddlers! I feel like all I do every day is stop them bickering. They love each other and want to be with each other – but one can’t stop bullying, the other can’t stop whining. Dear me. But God is just so good. He is very gentle and kind.
Coming by Mommy Moments {and so glad I did!}.
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I hear you! My eldest and middle child are 20 months apart and there were some hard days! Now, my youngest and middle child are in that stage. It gets better. It truly does. I’ve been praying for you this morning. For patience, rest and joy. The things I pray for myself. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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Oh, I love, love, love this. I think as a SAHM sometimes I feel guilty talking about how hard it is, but that’s the truth of it all. I am allowed to be tired and worn down, just as much as my husband is after a long day at work. I’m entitled to that.
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It is not an easy job. And isn’t it so wonderful to know that God sees all the things that must be done in a day … and that He gives us an abundance of grace to lean on? Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Such a sweet post! I’m expecting my first little one any day now so I’m sure this encouragement will be especially good for me in the coming weeks, months, and years! 🙂
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Aw, congratulations! You must be so excited to meet your little one!!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the comment. All the best!
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So encouraging! It’s a blessing to be home with my babies but sometimes oh so exhausting! Thank you for sharing with Mommy Moments last week. It was the top viewed link and will be featured in the next link up. Congrats!
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Thank you so much!
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This is an amazing post! Not many people know what it takes to be a stay at home (and homeschool) Mom. I love you said you took all that you were feeling to Jesus. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
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Oh I needed to read this today! All I’ve come across online lately is negativity but this has brought joy to my heart! Thank You x
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