Are you a “Lone Ranger Mom” or a “Mob Squad Mom?”

A few weeks ago my little one wanted to meet up with one of her friends for a play date.  I love people, but I value my alone time also.  I have some AMAZING friends and thank God that most people seem to like me, but growing up in a home with 8 people, I learned to really enjoy time alone, especially when I became an adult.  But I also know that there is power in numbers and in the multitude of counsel there is safety.  That being the case, and remembering that my four year old is not constantly surrounded around 8 folks day in and day out, I make it an effort to allow her to get as much social interaction as she needs.

That particular day, I DID NOT feel like talking with another adult and being friendly, encouraging or cordial.  I know God has given me the gift of encouragement so even when I do not want to be personable and encouraging; it seems to just fly out of my mouth without any effort.  I finally called her friends mom and she and her daughter met us for lunch and play.  Aunna and her friend played while her mom and I talked.  I must admit that the conversation was great and fulfilling and we had a wonderful time.  Every time I push myself to do something I do not want to do, a blessing seems to manifest.

I learned two things from this “play date.”  One, my child is a people person and since I know this, it is my job to keep her in positive, nurturing, learning environments with other peers.  Two, I learned that solitude has its place, but life is more fulfilling when you allow others to know and love you. So, what kind of mom are you.  Are you a “Lone Ranger” mom who wants to navigate mommy hood alone or are you constantly surrounded by other moms like a “Mob Squad” mom?  There has to be a happy medium where you learn to trust yourself as a mom as well as bond with other mothers. 

Be Blessed, 

Angela

My Little Black Dress Epiphany

The other day I did something that I have wanted to do for many, many years.  I was able to comfortably fit into a sexy, little black dress that is a size 10.  Now for those who may be thinking, “Size 10 is no supermodel size!”  But for me it is.  I use to wear a size 26, so to go from there to where I am today is a true blessing from God.  I put on the highest pair of heels I own and proudly strutted in front of my hubby.  I got the reaction I knew I was going to get from him and that made me feel even prouder.  As I turned around in circles looking at myself in the mirror, I got an epiphany.  I heard a voice in my head say, “Angela, you have come a long way and you did so because you worked hard and never gave up!”  Even when others may have mistreated me due to my obesity or I mistreated myself due to low self esteem, I kept hoping that I would and could overcome this burden.  ALL my life my weight has been my thorn in the flesh.  Sometimes I think God allowed me to wrestle with this thing because He knew I would not give up and would allow Him to get the glory at the end.  

What is it in your life that you have faithfully worked at and should congratulate yourself about?  Too many times we women do not pat ourselves on our backs.  Many women are overly critical of themselves and never celebrate our effort, successes and even failures.  There have been many times in my life where I have lost and gained weight and felt like a failure, but those failures became spring boards to propel me to success.  

Would I like to lose another 20 pounds to be a size 6 and walk the runways in Milan, Italy?  HECK YES!  But the reality is, that may not happen, but what I can do is celebrate my hard efforts and be the best I can be today both inwardly and outwardly.  Let’s do like the Serenity Prayer states, “Accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference!”

Has A Once Sought After Blessing Now Become A Burden?

 

What do you do when your blessing becomes a burden?  How many times have you prayed and prayed for God to give you a new job, a mate, a home, a ministry, children, etc. and when you first receive it, you are on cloud nine.  Then a bit of time passes by and the pressures that come with the new blessing manifest and you begin to slowly but surely feel your excitement turn to dread and disdain.   Unfortunately too many of us do not count the cost of ANY “blessing” while we are praying for it.  We simply want what we want and when it may not unfold as we thought it would or should, many begin to despise the gift or take advantage of it.

I adore my children and know that God gave them to me, but lately my four year old seems to constantly chant, “MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY!"  I found myself snapping at her the other day saying, “WHAT DO YOU WANT AUNNA?!!!!!”   Then the thought really hit me like a ton of bricks, “I prayed to have this child and I need to take the bitter with the sweet when it comes to being her parent.” 

 

What blessings are you bad mouthing or thinking negatively about?  Is it your kids, husband, your life in general?  Whatever it is, remember that everything in life comes with pluses and minuses and our attitudes towards it dictate how we enjoy the blessing.

Be Blessed!

Angela