Groceries, meals, laundry, dishes, carpool, sport’s schedules… exercise. I can’t seem to keep up with it all. I’m terrified something will be forgotten. It’s only been an issue it was somebody forgotten! Occasionally control-freak comes to mind as I obsess over a small task in the midst of a really hectic day. As if by getting this one thing done (sweep out the garage) will somehow fix all the stray ends.
No matter how you slice it, I’ve felt overwhelmed. There are lot of things that have to get done, basic needs… and I’m the most available to do them. Clean the house, organize stuff, get kids where they need to go, purchase food and make dinner. I confessed to my husband my current struggle. He stopped what he was working on to listen. Frustration turned to tears as I blurted, ” I can’t get all the blah blah done and I’m just not like so-and-so and I’ll never be able to do such-and-such. I don’t think this is ever going to change.” My sweet husband just held me. He reassured that he loves me exactly the way I am, and he thanked me, encouraging me in every way.
Beside taking on some grocery shopping and having the children help more around the house… he wanted me to make a wish list of 3 things he could do to bring me peace on a daily basis. We then decided on 3 apiece- for each other. Words of encouragement were my number 1. They actually mean more to me than taking out the trash or helping with dishes (although that’s good too). Purposeful hugs and kisses, sitting close every evening were at the top of his. He likes that more than a hot meal ready by a certain time.
This has lightened my load more than I can say! It greatly helps me prioritize. When I think I need to do this or that, I now have a list of top priorities. Yes, we still have sport’s practice and eat dinner and eventually get dishes and clothes washed, but the stress and strain is gone. Instead of just getting it done, we are trying to do more together and our “to dos” are so much more enjoyable 😉
I pray this might be the stress-reliever for you too.
ForGlorySake! – Anna
