Featured #TellHisStory Author: Jenny Sulpizio
#TellHisStory Storytellers Series
Many authors have gathered here these past months to offer words of encouragement to writers and communicators. That series has ended.
Today, I am excited to announce a new storytellers series.
On Tuesday nights, I will invite authors to share their stories and books. I know that stories have the power to change the world, one paragraph at a time. And I want to be a part of spreading the messages of people I believe in.
So, this series: The #TellHisStory Storytellers Series. (Come back at midnight to link up your story.)
Our first author? Jenny Lee Sulpizio, author of Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time.
Just One of Those Days…
by Jenny Sulpizio
Today, nothing went right.
Sigh.
I guess you could say it was another one of those days. A day where I’d woken with such great intentions, and a morning where I’d started off with a number of high hopes for the hours that lie ahead. But to be honest, by the time that sun had found refuge from its day, I was a mom who’d grown downright weary, worn out, and just plain exhausted from hers. Those hopes had fled. My intentions were gone, and I stood there–a woman in need of some sleep, peace, relaxation, and a whole lotta prayer.
This motherhood thing? It can be pretty tough at times, can’t it, friends?
But I try. Over and over again, I try … and I know you do, too. I’m aware that those children who’ve been entrusted into my care are direct gifts from God. Indeed they are miracles, blessings, and I love them more than I could ever attempt to express. But so many times–like today for example–I feel like I’ve failed God in my efforts to mother them. On days like this, I feel as though I haven’t led them to Christ, let alone provided them with a decent example to do so. I can’t help but sense that the “job” I’m doing isn’t as good as it should be. And on days like today, I find myself deep in prayer.
Motherhood can bring us to our knees…more often than we ever thought possible, Amen?
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
-Romans 12:12
And in the midst of those prayers: the kids keep fighting, the errands are still in need of running, dinner has yet to be cooked, and I can’t help but grow anxious, overwhelmed, impatient, and weary once again. I find my joy getting zapped away, and it’s then, in those moments–where struggle meets exhaustion–that I understand the depths of my need for God–and my Savior–more than anything else. Only He can renew my mind. Only He can change my attitude, and only He can bring back the hope that each new morning promises.
Only He can soothe this tired mama’s soul.
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
-Psalm 61:2
You see, on days like these, I have the promise of unconditional love to hold on to, and I’ve got a God who meets me right in the middle of my yucky, old mess. Better yet, I have the grace He extends in those instances where I desperately desire it the most, just as I have the assurance that even though there are minutes, hours, days, and yes, even seasons that are difficult (and at times too much to handle), I’ve got a God I can lean on, trust in, and seek comfort with.
As for you and me? Mamas—all we can do is love our kids, complete our tasks to the best of our abilities, and give ourselves plenty of grace on this journey of motherhood. And when we’re confronted with one of those days—you know, the ones we find most challenging? All we can do is pray.
As a self-proclaimed (and slightly crazed) Wonder Woman Wannabe herself, Jenny Lee Sulpizio is a Christian wife and mother to three amazing kiddos.
To follow Jenny, read her blog, or to learn more about her books, please visit http://www.jennyleesulpizio.com. You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.
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Boy, can I relate, Jenny. This is so wonderfully told. I had my daughter later in life, and I was flying by the seat of my proverbial pantyhose! And, yes, often I was kneeling in them! But God is able. It’s He who determines who is to be a mother, and it’s He who will enable us to serve our children while pleasing Him. And you know, mothering Sheridan has taught me much about being a child of God. Now I relate to Him on a whole other level. I so appreciate your wisdom and tranparency here. It’s wonderful to meet a praying mother, and before you know it, you will be praying for your grandchildren! Ha! But truly, believe us when we say that time fleets! Love and savor every moment.
Blessings,
Lynn Morrissey