a prayer for the stay-at-home mom

To my dear stay-at-home moms. This one is for you.

I pray that you get what sleep you need to get through the day, whether it’s those twenty extra minutes you weren’t expecting, or nodding off one more time after the two hours you missed. It won’t be enough sleep because it never quite is. But I hope it’s what you need.

I pray that breakfast involves less Cheerios on the floor and yogurt in the hair. I hope instead it brings funny moments, like your toddler spotting a squirrel outside, and calling it a mouse. I hope you find yourself explaining different rodents to your toddler, and then wondering why, because it’s hilarious. And even if breakfast does bring a mess, I hope you can wipe it up, change the clothes, and still manage to juggle a steaming cup of something yummy.

I pray that you remember to get your trash can out before the truck arrives. And before your toddler gets up and wants to “help” you do it.

I pray that you find something clean to wear and you feel pretty in it.

I pray that you find your rhythm for today. It might be going to the park, getting errands done, playtime with a friend, or story time at the library. Or it might just be playing at home because you don’t have the energy to do anything else. Either way, I hope you find what works for you today.

Along with that, I pray that whatever you do, you feel content. That you connect with your kids when you connect, and you take time for you when you need that, too. I pray you don’t spend too much time on Pinterest envying the moms that evidently have sparkling clean houses, a whole schedule of educational activities, and a gourmet meal for dinner. It’s not real life. And even the trying is probably not very fun for anyone involved.

I pray that you remember to wash that mildewing load of laundry you forgot about days ago.

I pray that you turn on the TV if you need a break or to get things done, and turn it off if you don’t. I pray that the Thomas the Tank Engine theme song doesn’t make you scream. Even internally.

I pray your children get naps, and you get a shower today.

I pray that every time you’re tempted to lose your cool, you can take a deep breath or count to ten instead.

I pray that when you lose your cool, which will likely happen eventually, that you can hug your little ones and start all over again. Even if it happens multiple times.

I pray that you get some kind of amazing win in today. Whatever the win is. If it’s cleaning all the dishes or rinsing a plate, putting away a load of laundry or folding one shirt. I pray you can have that victory and hold onto it.

I pray that you get countless little moments today that warm your heart. Lots of smiles and giggles, hugs and kisses, laugh-out-loud memories or amazing new milestones reached. I pray that if you’re tired, cranky, or sick, these moments serve their purpose in reminding you why you do it.

I pray that you get a couple minutes to talk to a grown up today. That you get to have a conversation that doesn’t include the phrases: “What did Mama say?” “Please don’t touch that again.” “Can you sit still for a second?”

I pray that you feel your job is a worthy and rewarding one. I know it can feel like every day is the same. Or that you “should” be out there doing something different. Or that other moms have it all on straight, and you’re the only one who’s lost. It’s not true. You are worthy, you are loved, you are lucky, mama.

I pray that you can get to bed at a reasonable time, and that you can start tomorrow fresh. Don’t forget to put that load of laundry in the dryer.