Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Motherhood and Guilt

I was talking to KC the other night and told him that some days I feel like I can only do a few things at a time well. It's like each thing is a ball to juggle and if I add one, then invariably I drop another so I can concentrate on the new one for a while. Some days I can handle just one or two balls at a time, other days I can handle 5. Some days I let myself feel guilty for not being really good at everything I want to be.

Today I read a blog post about guilt from Diapers and Divinity, written by Stephanie, a funny LDS mom of 3. When I finished it I felt that I needed to share it with other moms I know. Please, check it out.

I am going to finish with a poem I was emailed earlier this month. Ironically I sometimes feel like a lot of this is expected of me.

The Girl in a Whirl
by "Dr. Sue" (aka Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classroom! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!

I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My check books all balance!
Each week each child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)

I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But, that is not all! Oh no, that is not all.
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toe nails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too,
It's easy to do all the things I have to do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in the stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward Sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all.

I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank you’s" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids got straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean.

I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautiful groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!

I grind my own wheat and bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-year supply
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

"It's easy!" she said,
And then she dropped dead!

2 comments:

Liz said...

I have been going through some VERY similar feelings the past few... well a long time. Some days are good, some days not so much. I'm just trying to tell myself I am doing the best I can with what I have. Some days it's more, some days it's not. I just need to adjust. Good luck in finding your balance.

Brooke said...

That is a great poem! Ever since Luke was born I feel that same struggle every single day. I want to learn and grow and provide my kids with all available opportunities to learn and grow. but it really is impossible to do everything you want to do at the same time. There simply is not enough time. And yet I struggle with the guilt every day. Thanks for sharing--we're all in the same boat!

 
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