As a wife, mom, business owner, daughter in law and a sister if someone asked me to describe our family in one word, it would probably be busy. Not the kind of busy where we’re always running from one sporting event to another. Our busy looks a little different than a lot of families and that’s okay.
It’s busy juggling work, blogging, housework, family responsibilities, caring for pets, answering emails, reviewing products, and helping David’s parents and also my brother and somehow trying to squeeze in a few quiet moments with a cup of coffee.
Some days everything goes according to plan. Most days it doesn’t. And honestly? That’s okay. Because in my home every morning starts with hope. Every day begins before the rest of the house is fully awake. There’s something peaceful about those first few minutes.
I make my coffee, spend a little time with God, and look over everything I hope to accomplish that day. The to-do list is usually much longer than the hours available. Between writing blog posts for TheMommiesReviews.com, responding to companies, scheduling social media, checking email, and planning future reviews, the work starts early.
Then real life joins the schedule. The dogs want attention The house needs picked up and dishes done from last night because when David cooks the kitchen in a holy mess. Yes, the food is good but at times I wonder if the mess is worth it.
Someone needs help finding something. The dishwasher is waiting to be emptied and filled. Before long, the morning has disappeared. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the house doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be clean enough to walk through it safely.
Family is more important and for me family comes first. Sometimes that means stopping what I’m doing to have a conversation with David. Sometimes it’s helping Charlie when he needs something. Sometimes it’s simply sitting down together for a meal instead of worrying about everything still left on the checklist.
Those moments matter more than perfectly folded towels. Then there is the blog that never sleeps. People often think blogging is simply writing an article and pressing publish. I wish it were that simple! But it isn’t and it never will be but its okay because its what I enjoy doing.
Behind every post are hours of research, taking photographs, editing images, writing SEO descriptions, creating Pinterest graphics, sharing on social media, reaching out to brands, answering emails, and keeping everything updated.
Some days I spend almost as much time behind the scenes as I do actually writing. But I wouldn’t trade it for any other job in the world. Because I love sharing products, books, recipes, family experiences, and encouragement with readers.
Then there is finding joy in ordinary moments because life isn’t made up only of big vacations or milestone celebrations. Sometimes the best memories happen while making dinner together or watching one of our favorite television shows.
Laughing over something silly. Taking the dogs outside. Walking through the neighborhood as I try and get in those steps I need. Them enjoying a beverage on the porch. Those little moments become the memories I treasure most as Charlie grows up.
Then I keep reminding myself that I need to learn to give myself grace. Do you have do to that? There are days when my checklist gets finished and there are days when it barely gets started. But I’ve learned that success isn’t always measured by how many things I cross off my planner.
Sometimes success simply means everyone made it through the day feeling loved. That’s enough because tomorrow brings another chance to keep moving forward. And that is why I need to remember to give myself and even my family grace.
Our family may never completely slow down, but we’re learning to enjoy the journey instead of constantly racing toward the next thing. And maybe that’s what life is really about and that might be what the LORD is trying to teach me if I would just listen.
Remember every family has its own version of busy. Whether you’re raising children, caring for aging parents, working from home, running a business, or simply trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities, remember that perfection isn’t the goal.
Love your family. Celebrate the small victories. Laugh often. And don’t forget to take a few minutes for yourself whenever you can. Those little moments help carry us through even the busiest days. While allowing us to create life long memories.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
