"I just don't know how you do it"

I hear this a lot.

To which I usually reply...You just DO it.

It's not as though I've got some hidden secret powers that I can pull out when I most need them....as nice as that would be!

It all comes down to God's grace.

If there is one thing that having 5 children has taught me, it's that my needs are secondary...at least most of the time. If I have a crying baby or a fussy toddler, blow drying my hair somehow doesn't seem quite so important anymore.

I have found that it is nearly impossible to be lazy and procrastinate if I am to run my household well. When there is opportunity to throw in a load of laundry or put the dishes away, I need to take full advantage of those brief moments when all is calm. As any mom of a newborn knows...that calmness can quickly turn into quite a storm in a matter of seconds!

It is still tempting to just want to sit and relax and not do the things that need to be done. As a human with many faults, I often feel like I am entitled to be selfish, that I somehow deserve more than I really do. That it's perfectly fine to ignore the tasks at hand and blame it on how tired I might be or that the kids just wouldn't allow me to get even the smallest thing done. This is sometimes the case, but more often than not, it's because I have not managed my time well. Whether you have children or not, I think we all have issues with procrastination and time management!

I feel like I have truly been blessed to have such a full house. There are days when I feel as though I am barely surviving and that a good day means all the kids are dressed, fed, and happy. When someone says to me "I just don't know how you do it!", I feel like it is a great compliment. What they don't see is the daily struggle and full reliance on God that enables me to run my household well.

From the outside, it may look like we've got it all together. Thankfully, it isn't me holding it all together.

There but by the grace of God go I.
-John Bradford