confessions a working mom

School is in full swing and it is taking more time than last year because I have moved to first grade and we are making many changes in this year which are very time consuming. I keep remembering that we are working so hard this year so that next year will be more organized and teaching will be my main focus, not curriculum or planning. I like to stay two or three weeks ahead of the game and I feel as if I am only two or three hours ahead at this point.

I am learning to balance home and school a bit better this week than the last few weeks. The house is semi-clean, laundry is semi-done, and most importantly Isaac is a happy playful loving boy. This weekend in the midst of preparing for youth events, cleaning house, doing laundry, making muffins for the neighbors who had a baby, grocery shopping, creating a new first grade report card, keeping Isaac fed, bathed and clothed; I stopped and asked Barry if he would go for a walk with us. We put Isaac in his push-along car and went for a walk downtown. Isaac talked the whole way. He pointed and jabbered and had tons of fun. When we got back, we sat down and played ball with our very coordinated son who can throw and catch. (he obviously inherited that from his daddy) As I sat there watching Isaac tip over because he was laughing so hard at his daddy, I was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha and how upset Martha got when Mary didn't help and how Jesus reminded Martha that Mary made the best choice. The choice to sit at the Master's feet and embrace the moment that she was in. I confess, I am so Martha. I want it all to be perfect. I want it all to be organized and have a list and schedule for everything. I want my home and work to be planned weeks in advance and have the needed supplies. I am the girl who has the "just in case" bag in the van with all the things you just might need. You know, in case there were a flood, hurricane, or an extra softball game. I have two strollers in the van, the jogging and umbrella stroller. (You never know which you are going to need) Anyway, God reminded me this weekend through those moments with Isaac and Barry - embrace the important moments with the important people and don't forget to sit at the Master's feet. Thank you God for the blessings you have given me.

So, to those of you who are at my house each week for small group, and to the teenagers who probably don't care anyway, or family and friends who happen to stop by - the toys will not always be put away, the floors may not always be swept, the dishes may not always be done. But, my son will be played with, my family will have family dinner (OK, so at least a few times a week), and I will slow down and experience God's wonder.

Who wouldn't love this adorable little guy...

Now, the next step will be me not apologizing to everyone who comes over that my house is not perfect. Baby steps right!