Letting Go of Expectations

Jenny/ July 14, 2018/ Family Life

 

When we had our first child I foolishly declared that nothing would change.  They were simply along for the ride and our lifestyle would stay exactly the same.  If we were going hunting together we’d simply hang baby in a custom made safety belt and he’d of course stay there quietly for the hunt.  Ummm.  That isn’t quite the way it turned out (we never tried the baby hanging safety harness btw, lol).

 

However, many things did stay the same.  I had the same expectations for laundry, dishes, housecleaning and food prep as before.  This added a tremendous stress to my life, but I was determined I wouldn’t get lax in those areas.

 

Along came baby #2.  This added a much more interesting dynamic to our family and things started to change.  But I still got up when my husband left for work at 2.  After all, everyone can go right back to sleep, right?  Well, not exactly.  I soon realized this was not a workable plan and started preparing his breakfast the night before and stayed in bed to help keep 2 little guys sound asleep.  Whew, that was much better.

 

Then came baby #3 and wow a lot of things had started to change.  Dishes might still be in the sink at night from supper (or after supper snacks) and meals are much simpler now.  I no longer make homemade tortilla wraps or spend hours on supper.  I no longer grow a big garden (though I love gardening) and my sewing projects have taken a back seat.  And even though I strive for a neat, tidy house its definitely NOT perfect by any stretch of the imagination.  Does anyone else despise dusting?  

 

Its not that any of those things I’ve let go of are bad.  They aren’t, in fact they are great things to do.  But the truth is, I simply don’t have the time or energy to do them right now.  One day hopefully, I’ll pick them back up.  But I’m in a really intensive season right now.  3 under 7 and another on the way.  I’m just fortunate some days to make it through alive, lol.

 

We have to remember that God gives us these little ones for such a short season.  And though of course we still have to cook, clean and repeat that shouldn’t be our main focus in life.  My kids haven’t suffered one bit from my switch between homemade tortillas to store bought whole wheat tortillas.  😉  

 

What about you?  Are you under so much stress from your expectations (not God’s) that you’re falling under the load?  I certainly still do at times but I’m gradually learning to release the nice but not necessary and enjoy this crazy ride!