I want to encourage you to be kind to yourself when the sacrificial life you’ve accepted gets hard. These three actions will make things a bit easier for you, which in turn makes them easier on your family.
1. Spend quiet alone time with God as frequently as possible.
I know this isn’t easy with kids, work, church, hubby, but even 5 minutes in prayer, scripture, and silence can be a life saver. Can hubby or a friend/neighbor give you a few minutes each day or week to focus on God? This leads me to my next suggestion:
2. Let go of perfectionism!
Of course we all want to live in a tidy, organized, immaculate home. However, is this realistic? I know that even when we could once afford a housekeeper, I felt the heaviness of the WASTE of money when the house was immediately filthy again! With three sons and two dogs, there was no way the house was going to stay spotless. Let it go and enjoy some you time: spending it watching TV with the kids, laughing with your husband, reading a book, having a cup of coffee (or wine-we're all adults here!) Letting go of perfectionism segues perfectly into the final step:
3. Ask for help when you need it! What does that have to do with perfectionism, Ligia? Well, I'll tell you: The kids are perfectly capable of helping around the house, and so is dear hubby. Will they put the dishes exactly where you want them in the dishwasher, or make the beds so well you can bounce a quarter off them, or fold the towels so beautifully you could nap on them? NO, but it's okay. Think how much time you'll get back by asking (ahem, REQUIRING) them to help you out. I saw an excellent quote on one of my social accounts the other day, and I will now leave this with you: "Gentle reminder that the 40 hour work week is outdated and was designed with the assumption someone else was going to be always taking care of the cooking, cleaning and household errands. It wasn't designed for you to be doing it all, and if you're having a hard time, YOU'RE NOT A FAILURE! (Author unknown) Amen, Sister Sledge. Amen!
If you'd like a done-for-you way to connect with God daily, download my free 7 day video devotional for busy adoptive mamas like you! Head on over to www.faithful-futures.com.
I also have a Face Book group for Christian Adoptive Moms that you can join by going to the same website above: www.faithful-futures.com
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