You read that right. I have learned the great secret, and I’m ready to share. I can do it all. I can make my husband’s lunch, make a nutritious meal for dinner, plus between two and five simple snacks for famished little monsters. I can do laundry. I can blog, and also write a novel. I can write emails, real letters, make phone calls, and remember to take and send photos. I can read my Bible, read fiction, read nonfiction, too! I can plant a garden and enjoy its harvest. I can teach the toddler her colors and The Boy his phonics.
I just can’t do it all at the same time.
Yesterday, I was out running errands, something I am particularly bad at. I felt so accomplished. I bought a graduation gift, a father’s day gift, nontoxic soaps and toothpastes and mayonnaise and such, and mailed said gifts to their appropriate recipients, and still arrived home on time to feed the baby.
But I forgot to put the meat out and it never did defrost and we ended up feasting on previously-frozen pizza last night.
For a while, I got better about cleaning the house and doing all the laundry the “right” way.
But then I either forgot to make Si’s lunch, or at least put all of the parts of his lunch into the lunch container. I think he once ate a pasta dish with his fingers.
A couple years ago, I was learning to sew, and I began a most beautiful quilt, something that would have made a person think I had a future in the quilting business.
But then I had a baby. And then another. And finally, greatly embarrassed, I bribed a good friend into finishing the project for me.
I remember once that I took a class at church on Proverbs 31. The teacher explained that this chapter was a picture of the Virtuous Woman’s whole life, not average day. Did we really think she was realtor-like, buying property daily? I remember feeling a huge burden lifted off of my back.
Being virtuous means having certain character qualities, not accomplishing a certain list of tasks.
You, too, can do it all. Just not at the same time.
5 Comments
ps. That garden I mentioned? We really are beginning to enjoy a bit of a harvest. But I just noticed it is also full of weeds again!
Kimbrah,
Sorry to freak you out in the beginning! I was in a weird mood this morning…
May the Lord bless you in your potty training adventures. We have a little adventure planned for Miss A. in July. We will see who wins that battle of the wills!
Kim,
I always hesitate on the idea of hiring help because I feel like I should be doing it all, but that is just my pride talking! It is very obvious that the Proverbs woman has “maidens.” Some theologians think these are teenaged daughters, others think they are hired help, but either way, this woman delegates!
Brandy-
When I read your opening paragraph, I was starting to feel woefully inadequate, seeing as we are in basically the same situation for the most part. I was thinking, she must be superwoman!
Boy was I relieved to read the rest! Thanks for the encouragement. I have been beating myself up a bit lately about not being able to do everything that I want to do to keep this place and all the family members ship-shape. But then I remember, I just got over an almost month-long illness, I am potty-training the most stubborn boy on earth, I am breastfeeding, I am not getting enough sleep, and I have a two year old (enough said there). Its amazing I get anything done during a day!
It really helps to have an amazing husband who encourages me every time I do get something done, and is way too understanding and forgiving when I don’t.
Thanks for this post. Eventually we will get everything done. Oh, and I am sending you an email right after I write this. Have a great day!
I appreciate your humor with this subject. We should also never forget that Mrs. Proverbs 31 had helpers to accomplish her tasks. Does this mean the Bible is telling us to hire help if we have the funds? =)