I have a terrible time resting. I can wear exhaustion well, but when it comes time to actually rest? It eludes me. That's why God gave me a Mark in my life.
This Mother's Day was no different. The day before, I worked for 9 hours, at the Grand Opening of my hubby's work. Then, Saturday night, I crashed, and woke up in a fog on Sunday morning. I woke up to a son who whispered, "Mommy, I made you something."
I allowed my eyes to open, fuzziness was all I saw, since my contacts weren't in yet. But as my eyes adjusted, I saw this:
Our 5 year old, completely on his own, prepared gourmet cereal for Mark and I, arranged it beautifully on a gold platter, and added an apple. (He actually didn't even know it was Mother's Day!)
It absolutely melted me.
Then Mark went out with the kids, so I could get some more sweet, sweet sleep, before the rigmarole of Church began.
I came to, a short time later, and checked my phone, for the time.
10:35 a.m.
I quickly jumped out of the bed, ran to the bathroom, to shake loose old curls, and wipe off leftover eye makeup.
I walked out, into the living room, to a very calm home.
"Babe, we need to get ready for church! I can throw shoes on the kids' feet, you go get dressed for work!"
"We're not going," he said casually.
"I thought maybe we could just rest today, since we had such a busy weekend."
My heart rate quickened, as thoughts started racing through my Type-A, planner brain. They fell out of my mouth as soon as they entered my brain.
"But babe, the kids are good to go, I can get ready on the next 5 minutes, and so can you, we could make it! I really wanted to go! We're learning about honoring your parents... I wanted to hear that message."
"I know honey," he said calmly.
"But I think what's best for our family today, is just to rest."
Rest? I've already rested. I'm good to go!
Or so I thought...
We proceeded to move at a snail-like pace. One where I just sat by my husband, and marveled at the whirlwind, that is our children.
Then, Mark asked the kids to come to the living room, and asked them to share their favorite thing about me, and also their favorite memory:
Khai (5): I love how Momma always plays games with us. And she makes us laugh!
Daylon (4): I love how Momma tickles us to make us laugh! And when she takes us on dates!
Asher (3): I like when Momma chases me, and tickles me!
Ellyn (1.5): I yuv you Mommeee!
Then, Mark said his favorite thing:
"I love that you were really the first person in my life to show me true love. You encourage me when I'm weak, and pray for my insecurities. Even at a young age, you loved me, unconditionally. I'm thankful for that."
(Go ahead and picture me ugly crying on the couch, as I looked at what God has given me.)
And I want this to be my main point:
Had I not rested, I wouldn't have ever heard those encouraging words. Those words that can build up my foundation that I stand on, as a wife and Momma.
Am I a sinner for not going to church?
No.
(Though, some would staunchly disagree.)
Did I get the adorable picture of me with all my kids, dressed exquisitely, outside our church, to post to Instagram?
No.
(And that's okay, too.)
But I did get this picture:
And this one:
Just a Momma, with her pile of kids. No make up, leftover hair, on a Sunday.
And it was wonderful.
I took my 3 boys on a date to Zaxby's, to pick up lunch for the family, then we took Mark to work.
We came back home for Happy Nappy's, and had a quiet day.
The only time I was on my phone, was to make this video:
Something God has put on my heart, as a way to encourage ALL Momma's, in all walks of life.
It's not a perfect video, there are typos on my cards, and I'm glad for that, too. Because I'm not perfect.
And I don't ever want to be perfect.
Its overrated.
Especially for Momma's. We Moms need rest, more than we need the perfect makeup tutorial, or perfect outfit.
I didn't even wish my Mom and Mother in law a Happy Mother's Day.
(Go ahead, gasp, and clutch those pearls.)
But they know I love them. And if they knew the chill day I had with my family, they'd be just fine without a Facebook message, or text.
Because my Mother's Day wasn't a Happy Mother's Day.
It was a Joyful Mother's Day, because I rested.
Then, I went to see God's Not Dead 2 with a group of beautiful ladies.
And so literally, I sat in a movie theatre chair, and ate nachos without sharing, while slurping on a $5 Mr. Pibb. It was so wonderful.
So, that's all I've got.
Just remember to rest.
"Come to Me, all you who are weary, and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28