{Part III of my "Mama Musings" blog series..."

I had an epiphany today.  

I was picking my kids up at their after-school program after work.  We walked from the classroom out into the hallway, and my daughter had not only her (big) backpack on her back... but she also had her brother's (also big) backpack on her back as she headed down the hall.

I thanked her (she's been a HUGE helper to me lately!), and said, "Oh, kiddos... I forgot... Your scooters are out by the bike rack from this morning.  Go grab them, and meet me by the van, okay?"

They took off, and as they did, I started walking the opposite way - toward the hallway that led to the other side of their school where my van was parked.  

But then I stopped.  

I wanted to watch my tiny little Kindergarten gal (still carrying her huge backpack) head down that long hallway after her big brother.  I smiled.

And I listened.
 

I heard, Big Brother: "A - just follow me... I'll show you how to get to mom's van from the bike rack, okay?"  Little Sister: "Okay, M... thank you, because I wasn't sure how to go that way."  Big Brother: "Just follow me, okay?  I'll show you the way, you can just follow me."  Little Sister: "Okay.  Thank you!"

And then I took a deep breath, and said to myself, "I am doing something RIGHT."  

And then I felt peace.  And joy.  And comfort.  And rest.  (Even if just for a moment, it was worth it!)

Mamas - It got me thinking.  What would happen if we kept a tally of all the things we did RIGHT - every.single.day - day in and day out?  I mean, I get it... I read about being a better mom, I talk with friends and moms in my life group about being a better mom, I pray about being a good/better mom. 

And every now and then, I will actually say it to myself, "I am a good mom." 

But why not on the daily?  

Why am I not giving much credit to the 352 things I do RIGHT during the day every day - and instead, I let the handful of things I did wrong (or not up to (the not-realistic) "perfect mom standards") determine the joy (or lack thereof) that I allow myself to feel during the day?  

I am so thankful that God leads me to STOP, listen, wait, breathe.  

And I am working on listening to this and accepting that invitation from Him more.  There is so much to be learned and enjoyed in those little in-between moments.  And I know these years will pass by so quickly.  I mean, wasn't it just yesterday they were babies in my shopping cart at the grocery store?! (See photo below.)

I am so glad I stopped in that hallway today.  Thank you, Lord for these precious babies that call me Mama.  They are such a gift.  

{All photos shot with my (old) iPhone.}  :)