Superwoman is a Myth

Sometimes we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.  Each of us has different gifts and interests, and sometimes we feel inadequate because we don't have the same talents that our friends or favorite bloggers do.  Bloggers often showcase the things that inspire: cute crafts we've made, beautiful photos, great mom tips, fun vacation pics, homemaking wonders like bulk cooking days or new recipes, etc.  Sometimes when we see this tiny slice of someone's life we forget that they are real-life, gal-next-door folks that have challenges, struggles, bad days, hurts, fears, sins, and weaknesses.

Though I am the first to admit that I'm the farthest thing from perfect with my in-real-life friends, sometimes my blog readers or facebook acquaintances can get the impression that I "do it all" or am some kind of superwoman.  Every now and then I write a blog post to debunk the myth.  I'm just like you....only probably worse.  I often have my priorities out of whack, often fail to be patient and kind with my little blessings, and often choose my own way over God's way.  I long for a perfectly clean home, but I've discovered that I cannot have a good attitude, a clean home, and four kids simultaneously.  I often struggle with keeping the balance, and just keeping up with the simple chores.  Yes, I organize, yes, I bulk cook, yes, I sew once in a blue moon, and yes, I love taking pics, but that doesn't mean that I can do everything at once and do everything well.

 Plants that I meant to plant a few days ago and haven't gotten to.  They are also pretty desperate for some water.

 The homeschool table this morning....

 Katrielle's laundry often goes straight from the basket to her body, and back to dirty laundry without ever making it into her dresser drawers.....

A far cry from a stylish, polished mommy hair-do, a ponytail is usually all I have time for in the beauty department....

 Can you tell I hate folding socks!  Oh how I look forward to summer when sandals and Crocs will eliminate the need to match 60 sets a week!

Oops!  The weekend movie we rented never got returned so we'll have a late fee.....

When the kids are driving me crazy and I absolutely have to get something done or have some time to relax, Dora is a lifesaver!

Getting breakfast as a mommy of four is a challenge.  Some mornings I don't get any, and most mornings I get it a couple of hours after my kids do.

All too often I look to my good friend Chock Lutt for energy....

My kids have an innate ability to destroy everything and cause messes everywhere.  This occurred right as Pray & Play (my weekly Bible Study/Playgroup with friends) was starting and a day after mopping the kitchen floor and shampooing the carpet in this exact spot....

I worked my buns off to clean and tidy up the house for a whole day, not stopping to take breaks or rest time.  I was so happy that most of the house was clean and neat even though I was so pooped I could hardly say a word at dinner, only to realize at the end of the day that the kitchen looked like this once again.....

And I don't have pics of the thank you notes I have yet to fill out and send that are long overdue, the phone call to the eye doctor Josiah had to make because I kept forgetting to make us an appointment, and the packages I've been meaning to send to some military guys in our church for the last two years.  Or the medication and vitamins I have to take to combat postpartum depression that I've been battling for a few months.  Or the times I say stupid, or hurtful things to others, or am selfish, controlling, or angry.

I'm a work-in-progress just doing the best I can.

I realize only God gets His to-do list done everyday.

The endless work load brings me to my knees and reminds me that:

*This world is not my home

*This life here will never be easy or perfectly neat and tidy

*A perfectly clean home is the sign of a wasted life

*No one has "it all together"

*We all struggle, have trials, and sin in many ways

*I can't do it without the Lord and His grace for my sins and His strength in my weaknesses

I hope this post was an encouragement to you today!