Random Thoughts from a Tired Momma and 3 Things That Help When I'm Exhausted

Random Thoughts from a Tired Momma:

• How many nights can you serve cereal for supper?
• The best trend ever is mix matched socks.
• I wonder what the world record is for the tallest pile of laundry, and if I am in the running?
• When is someone going to invent a bed that makes itself?
• Could I eat Krispy Kreme doughnuts in my closet without anyone finding me?
• How many days is dry shampoo good for?
• Wouldn’t it be awesome if dust bunnies became valuable…instant millionaire.
• I wonder how many calories I just burned wrestling my toddler while trying to put eye drops in​ their eye.

​​Running on Empty

​​Running on empty can happen to anyone, but I think moms are at the top of the list. From morning until morning on some days moms are on call. When we find ourselves here it is easy to take shortcuts, rationalize choices, or just plain quit.

In my life, there are three things that can help me on the days where I am exhausted and the walls are closing in on me. All three find their roots in our only true energy source, God. I find when I can follow these pieces of advice my outlook begins to change.

First, cut yourself some slack, because God already does. ​

God knows that we are but dust. My life verse is Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

My flesh, or physical body and my heart or emotional and spiritual being fails. Trying to convince myself that I am the latest version of a mom super hero is a lesson in futility. Admitting in prayer, and even out loud that I am weak and frail actually frees me to call out for the help I so desperately need.

Next, taking shortcuts doesn’t mean that it shortens my quality as a mom. ​

When life is crazy, when sleep is minimal, and when your body is at the breaking point a shortcut is an answer to prayer. There is a time and place for the extra mile but Scripture also gives a valid case for doing things in a quick but still effective way. Ephesians 5:16 states

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” ​

Redeeming the time means, holding it valuable and spending it wisely.

Sometimes having a quick meal so you can help everyone prepare for their mid-terms is the best use of both time and energy.

Lastly, comparison is never our friend. ​

When we are staring down our laundry room that has clothes oozing from it, scrolling Facebook is not what the doctor ordered. II Corinthians 10:12b

“…but they measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

When we are running on fumes, we need to avoid the fuel of social media that lights a fire of insufficiency and discouragement. God sees the struggle and walks it with us intimately. The only standard which truly matters is utter dependence on the One who surpasses them all.

So, the next time you are on empty, remember there are others of us out here. Cut yourself some slack and just confess, I am weak. Take the shortcut guilt free knowing that there is something to be said for budgeting time and surviving. Turn away from both the sink full of dirty dishes and the picture perfect Facebook kitchen. Look up and say, Hebrews 4:16 

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and fine grace to help in the time of need.”

What helps you on the days when you are exhausted and the walls are closing in?