... Perfect Blogging Material

Let's face it. If Motherhood wasn't so easy to write about, why would there be a gazillion mommy bloggers? And if other peoples experiences weren't so relatable, why would there be so many readers? "Motherhood surely provides the perfect writing material" I sighed to myself as I finally arrived home after a long shopping trip. Here's the flashback:

It was grocery day, and trying to limit our grocery shops to once every 2 weeks during the pandemic meant that the cupboards were getting bare and the last item in the fridge was a wilted celery stalk. I didn't really feel like going. I was drained emotionally and physically. But if not today then when? I had HubbyK on baby duty (its ok if you smirked thinking about "doody") and 2 hours before she would be wanting to nurse. I put on my big-girl-mom pants and started the adventure.

I arrived at the first store and got straight to business. It can be difficult to shop these days and not all the shoppers feel like participating in the new pandemic protocols. Between traffic jams of people entering the aisle the wrong way and feeling the person's breath on my neck hairs, my groove was constantly being disturbed. Calmly, I continued to rein in my judgmental thoughts and stick to the rules; even when it meant going around repeatedly in circles. Eventually, I made it to a check out line and patiently waited for my turn.

I knew that my exit would not be as smooth as it usual is as I had a manufacturer's coupon for formula. Thinking it would make things more efficient, I gave it to the cashier first thing. She ran everything through and waited for the manager to lend his aid with the coupon. By the time it was sorted I reached to my side to retrieve my wallet. The empty space at my hip haunted me as I felt the rush of sweat cover my entire body and my eyes start to sweat. I had not put on my big-girl-mom-purse.

I couldn't believe it. It was at home, and here I was with a cart full of bagged groceries and no way to pay for them. Forgetting a wallet might seem like such a trivial thing to some people, but it was an actual nightmare come true for me (seriously, this is the kind of plot line of a dream that would wake me in a panic). I longed for a teleportation device, or for my husband to somehow be able to get it to me. As the options raced through my head all I wanted to do was run. Instead, I put on my big-girl-mom hat, left the cart with the cashier and drove home to get the wallet.

I'll spare you the details regarding my agonizing traffic delays, along with the long wait in line and more issues with the manufacturer's coupon. But I will say, in the moments were I felt exhausted and broken, I was able to hold it together. In the store, the song that had been in my mind all day entered my mind again. "And give you His peace" struck a chord with the tears I was desperately fighting back. During my (what felt like an hour) drive home, the radio message was a full in-depth talk on God's peace. Back at the store, the cashier treated me like as if she had missed me while I was away and was excited to see me again. Peace was what I needed. Peace is what God was offering me.

Although I had intended these musing to help other moms feel connected and encouraged in a time of distancing, I'm finding that taking the time to consciously go through these milestones and mundane moments of BabyK's life has helped me process, appreciate and record this special time in our lives. Through this particular reflection I have been able to see God's hands in things as simple as; a song on the radio, a message of peace and the understanding of a stranger.

I am so grateful for this local radio station! We've had so much fun playing along with their contests, listening to the music and teachings. Thanks CHRI Radio!

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Numbers 6:24-26

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."