It had been a hard day. I’ve been busy as a beaver with the American Sweetheart project where we are making paper bouquets to sell for Valentine’s day and then for every bouquet sold we are giving one to a Gold Star wife. On top of our normal crazy life of 13 kids doing 17 sports practices a day (that’s not an exaggeration by the way), schoolwork, our new Bible study beginning today and other various commitments we have collectively as a family and that the children have individually. I had been “doggie paddling” all day and it felt very much like I was trying to cross the Pacific and keep my head above water. Know what I mean?
More than once I had to remove myself from the crowd and cry a few tears in my bathroom.
Today it just seemed like my very best was not good enough.
Oh, I prayed. I remembered the promises. I know the drill. Trust me, I remembered my own advice from chapter four of my book about being overwhelmed, and I tried to listen to it.
It was just a tough day.
And then around 9pm my sweet daughters said,”Mama, sit down. Watch this video.”
Like I had time to watch some dumb youtube video.
But seeing my red nose and bloodshot eyes they said, “No really mom. Sit down and watch this.”
So I did.
And I laughed and cried and ugly snorted through my tears over this precious man and his indomitable spirit.
“You should be proud of who you are…right now…at this very moment.”
Well Zach, I’m not proud. At all. But if you’re saying so, maybe I could look at a few of the good things I got done today…
“Ok ok ok! We’re back up! Sometimes you gotta pull yourself back up! Because you know you can do it! Even when you’re sliding off the treadmill!”
Wow, Zach. I spent all day feeling like I am sliding off the treadmill. Physically, spiritually, emotionally I had been completely sliding off all day. Until you showed me. You told me. I can do it. I can and I will.
“You’re a lot better than where you started. As a baby. Who crapped himself all the time. You do that a lot less now! And I’m proud of you for it!”
Wow, thanks Zach. You’re right. I have gotten a lot better since then!
“Even if you’re not exactly where you want to be, you’re still making progress.”
You are so right. Progress, not perfection
Moms, it’s tough. I really really really know it is. But if this man, facing these incredible odds can laugh and bring us all such joy even through his adversity, then we have to laugh too. Even if it’s through tears. So watch the video and just enjoy. And save it for the next time you have a day like my yesterday. And here’s to today. May it be better and even if it isn’t…may we rejoice in the day that the Lord has made…no matter what.
Melissa Stalter Hicks says
Oh Miss Lyette, I so needed to hear this message today. It spoke straight to my heart. Thank you for the inspiration I was needing to move forward. Love you!
Lyette Reback says
Oh Melissa. If YOU are encouraged, then my day is off to a great start!
Dawn H says
I really needed to see this post today. Life can be really tough as a mom. Especially when you have so many souls to help guide. And I just want an hour to take a nap. Or watch a sermon without being interrupted every 45 seconds. Or…. Anything really! I cried my tears into my pillow last night. But then I rolled over to smell the toddler’s head and remembered what I’m called to do. So thanks, Lyette. Love the reminders of normalcy and your calming demeanor.
Lyette Reback says
Much love Dawn. xoxo
Jessica French says
I am amazed at the encouragement here. I feel like I’m walking in circles and the one thing I need – FOCUS – seems to be the hardest thing to find today. This gives the day a whole new perspective! Thank you!
Lyette Reback says
Thank you Jessica! Hang in there…I’ve had days like that too! God bless! xoxo
Kelly says
This video was amazing. I am crying laughing. I know that watching this would really help me on tough days. Thanks so much for posting!!