Thursday, September 25, 2008

Great Expectations


Last night, I stood in my kitchen feeling every bit like a homemaking failure. Why you ask? Because we were down to just three diapers and a handful of wipes. Shocking I know LOL! I laugh now but yesterday it felt more like evidence of my inability to manage my home. I told myself if I was more on top of things, we wouldn't run out of diapers. If I was better at stockpiling we would never run out of the things we use and need the most. How come I can get loads of free cat treats and Ziploc bags but not diapers?!?

After a bit of quiet time and reflection, I realized I was being a bit overly dramatic. After all, running out of broccoli doesn't send me over an emotional ledge LOL! Like most things, diapers are apart of my weekly grocery list. I buy for the week and when those run out, I buy some more. My initial reaction had very little to do with the actual diapers themselves but more to do with the unrealistic expectations I place on myself.

I've come to the conclusion, that I have to learn how to say NO to myself. To realize that I do have limitations and that I can't do everything. That I have to put down my desire to be the perfect - Christian, wife, mother, daughter, homemaker, couponer, from scratch cook, crafter, thrifter, worker, etc - and just do my best. Easier said than done! Intellectually, I know perfection is absolutely unattainable. But it's almost like knowing that makes me want it even more. It's weird, but that's where I'm at right now. So there's lots of room for improvement and growth!

Today, I said NO to myself by making a change to our menu plan. Originally I had planned to make our favorite BBQ turkey meatballs. I've really been working hard at preparing home made meals for dinner during the week even with working all day. But knowing the time it would take to assemble the meatballs once I got home and not wanting to have another evening of rushing to make dinner while keeping Reedy from getting into everything, I opted for a much simpler Breakfast for Dinner tonight. Not the "perfect" home made meal, but it's the best I can do today!

4 comments:

Corey~living and loving said...

I honestly don't know how you do all that you do do. (tee hee...I said "doo doo" )

I find evening dinner making very hard when working. My hats off to you my friend.

Amber said...

That fact that you have the heart to want to be the best,says a lot about you. Just remember, there is only ONE person who ever walked on water. All he ask is that we look to him first. It's okay to sit down sometimes. We get so busy trying to be the best, we forget to enjoy the silly seconds that turn in to years gone by. Enjoy!

Amber said...

Tried to leave you another post, not sure if it worked...here it goes again!
Just the fact that you have the heart to want to do your best, says a lot. However, just remember that there has only been ONE person who ever walked on water. He understands when we get tired. Sometimes it might be a sandwich night, that is okay! Enjoy the silly times with your family because to soon they will turn in to years go by. No one will remember what they had for dinner tonight, but may remember "that time" with mommy.

Mary Ellen said...

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement Corey & Amber!