MOMENTS

Written by: Mandy

I kept seeing a similar theme throughout mom groups and social media Then, someone said something to me while I was out playing with my kids that felt like a pile of bricks in my lap

“You only get 18 summers, make them count.”

I’m sure this comment was meant to soften the edges of a busy morning, to reassure my heart that these are the days, to give me encouragement to enjoy it while it lasts. But at that moment, all I could feel was heaviness.

As a former teacher, I still LIVE for summer break for two reasons.

I should go chase my sweet babes through the splash pad

Did I make enough plans over the summer?

Do we have enough playdates?

What about activities, did I register for them all?

I should grab more snacks.

Speaking of, maybe we will make that new organic and dye free cotton candy

Actually, we will skip the fun summer lessons

Maybe I should cancel the activities and we will just spend all of our time together, for all of the summer days

Am I doing enough?

My mind started to wander as guilt and shame crept into my heart and intruded my thoughts.

PAUSE.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ

Take every thought captive.

I refuse to mother from a place of guilt.

I will not mother based on a lie that “I need to make this summer count ”

I do not need to live in fear of the unknown

Shame has no place in my mothering journey

I assume the intention of this simple statement from a stranger was to be light hearted as they reminisce about the summers they once had with little ones at their feet. But look how quickly the enemy used it to have me question my abilities, value and worth as a mom. Look how quickly he took advantage of a moment to try steal, kill and destroy.

I am blessed to have 18 summers with my kids, I can serve my kids while being loving and lifegiving Every summer, every day, is made up of many moments These many moments throughout each of the days provide truth and love They all hold significance whether it is resting or celebrating, taking a break or enjoying freedom. God knows the plans He has for me and for each of my kids. The pressure to do more and be more will always be suffocating our opportunities for connection and vulnerability If I am not serving my children and the needs and desires of their heart with a soft and open heart of my own, I have found that my motives can turn selfish

So some days wear the swimsuit, get your hair wet and do cannonballs. Other summer days sit on the sidelines and hand out popsicles while reading a good book, if your kids are old enough for that- I’m not quite there! Ff your littles are the tiniest and water activities just aren’t on your agenda yet, call up a friend and make plans til the next summer. Because that stranger hinted at something true, this time as a mama with littles goes by fast.

Finding a balance that sets you up for success as a mama and supports each child in their own season is near impossible, I’m thankful for a loving God that fills in the many gaps and cracks.

Fruit Yogurt Popsicles

This activity is so fun for littles! Remember to buy the gloves! The gloves make it possible for the bubbles to bounce because it protects the bubbles from the oils on our hands that break the bubbles

Ingredients:

3 cups frozen blueberries and/or strawberries

3 cups yogurt

Favorite popsicle molds

Directions:

Add 1/2 cup of fruit to each popsicle mold.

Add 1/2 cup of yogurt to each popsicle mold.

Stir each mold with a spoon.

Add a few more pieces of fruit.

Insert reusable stick to the popsicle mold

Place in the freezer until firm