I Get to...

I hear myself and every mom out there say:

"I have to go change the baby's diaper"

"I have to go pick my kid up from preschool"

"I have to do laundry and make dinner"

"I have to help pack my husband's lunch"

"I have to head to a doctor's appointment"

"I have to do a million things today!"

Etc. Etc. Etc.

While there is nothing wrong with saying all these things, I find myself heading down the complaining road. If I can just switch my attitude and realize THESE ARE THE DAYS that I've dreamed of and prayed for and longed for, my "have to" list gets replaced with "I get to."

I get to drop off/pick up my kid from a loving preschool that gives me 3 hours away from my most energetic child. It also means I get one-on-one time with my middle child which we both need.

I get to make my husband's lunch because I'm married and I get to love him! (And thanks, babe, for always trying to save money.)

I get to do laundry and fold tiny socks and t-shirts because my life is full of sweet babies.

I get to make dinners because my life is full of hungry boys and I am thankful we have the money to even buy food.

I get to reheat my coffee because I was busy being a present mom and the last thing on my mind was drinking hot coffee alone.

I get to be the one that sees everything from their first steps to their first bad day at school. I get to be the one that helps train them in the way they should go, and be an example of love. I get to be the one that all my boys want to marry. I get to usher them into a relationship with Christ and watch them fail and get back up and learn and grow. I get to be their biggest cheerleader and supporter.

Our role as "mother" is extraordinary.

If we're not content with where we are and we're constantly playing the "mom life is so hard" game, then we're clearly not doing it right. We have such a huge purpose in this life and knowing that should empower you. If you're not content now, when will you ever be?

I'm not saying every day is just "such a blessing" and "so wonderful and perfect." I'm not saying I love doing laundry and cleaning toilets and hearing "mom" said 3 million times a day. But I am saying that I need an attitude shift on a daily basis where I remind myself that this is what I wanted, this is what I love, this is exactly where I need to be and want to be....and I need to stop the complaining.

If you're overwhelmed in motherhood, I get it. It's a lot. Sometimes it is more than a lot and you feel completely helpless and exhausted. There are days that are a blur because so much happened. And don't get me started on the weeks where everyone in your family is sick including you. Nightmare!

But moms, let us refocus, because I know there are plenty of women out there who would do ANYTHING for a baby or even a husband for that matter. They would love to wipe bottoms and be up every hour at night just to sooth a crying baby. They would love to iron their husband's shirts and be a supportive wife.

So remember, sister....we have it good.

Real good. And this is coming from me, someone who is NOT living a glamorous life. I don't even have a bathtub or a garage, you guys. But this life? It is perfect. The fighting, the mess, the small house, the sickness, the chaos, the no-money aspect...this is the life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.