Today when I got to Parker's school, I realized it was picture day. All of the other children were dressed in their Sunday best, while Parker was wearing his green T-shirt with a frog that says "Kiss Me".
I looked over at his teacher and said, "Well, there is always one parent who forgets, and today I get that prize."
We missed last week's class because of the stomach flu, then we had Retreat, then Monday was a day off school for the holiday, and I haven't looked at my calendar in a week to see "Picture Day" written on today's square.
I have two messages to prepare for this weekend, one for the women's conference at church on Saturday, and one for the abstinence presentation at St. Matthews on Sunday night. Plus, I am working countless hours to catch up from last week, and Erik is leaving tomorrow for two and half days for a conference, which leaves me with the boys to accomplish these things on my own.
I do this to myself. I have such a hard time saying "No" to something which I see has value. I've started reading the book "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend, and quite honestly, I'm too bored with the book to get past the third chapter.
I try to balance all of these plates, and I'm not a good juggler. I've learned that a perfectionist shouldn't carry more than one dish at a time. I don't have the ability to handle the stress that comes from multiple demands, because I want to succeed in each one.
When will I learn my lesson? Maybe I need to take Parker's picture of him in his frog T-shirt and put it in a visable place. Looking at it may help me to see what happens when I don't say "no".
7 comments:
I can't stand that feeling of being overwhelmed. I used to chronically over-commit myself. I still do it, although not as much. I am a methodical person by nature (I even eat dinner one thing at a time: salad then beans then corn then chicken. never a bit of each at a time). My attempts at juggling too many things are evident in all of the unfinished projects around my house. I constantly have to practice saying "No", and every time I do, I still feel bad.
Bethany, you have a kind and giving soul. Sometimes our greatest virtues are also our biggest _____.
I betcha that picture will be really cute. And it will be one that you will probably always remember.
I completely understand how hard it is to say "no" to people! I am also a pro at that! I also tried reading the book boundaries and got bored within the first couple chapters! I will pray God gives you the strength you need to prepare two messages while taking care of the boys!
As for picture day...they usually have a make up picture day scheduled for kids who forgot or were sick that day. Does Parker's school have that? If so, you could just get his picture taken then. I hope your day gets better! You are incredible mom Bethany Patrice! =)
I am sure Parker still looked very cute in his frog shirt.
I will be praying for you and that God will speak to you on what to say and to get it done in a timely matter. :}
I totally understand the feeling... life gets a bit slow so you start to pile things on... before you know it you have way over booked yourself... what I have noticed over the past couple years is right before I burst, God moves my schedule around a bit and it all works out! I hope the same happens for you!
As for the picture... I can't imagine that Parker isn't adorable in anything he wears. You'll never forget... You're a great mom!
Good luck with the speeches, I'll say prayers.
sounds like what mom tells me, "look what happens when you bite off more than you can chew!"
and P.s., it can't be nearly as bad a picture as the one when Sharon gave you a "haricut!"
Sorry you feel overwhelmed. It's hard to do something "good" when there's so much to do. We're kind of in that boat right now. So, who can take the kids while you prepare for your messages????
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