For Moms in the Trenches

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 There have been times during my years as a parent when I thought I couldn’t keep going a moment longer due to a perfect storm of stress, lack of sleep, lack of wisdom, and/or lack of closeness with my loved ones. This post is written for others who may be enduring a bad time in the trenches right now.

1. It will pass. I promise. This statement from others never helped me much at the time, in fact it felt as if they didn’t really get what I was going through; but I encourage you to lift up your eyes in hope for the day when ‘that’ will no longer be an issue in your life. Hope is the secret to endurance.

2. Talk to people you trust. There may be some things you or others can do to improve the situation. Seek wisdom.

3. Pray without ceasing.  Ask other believers to pray for you.  There may be nothing left for you to try; it may be an issue that only God can resolve. He will give you the strength and hope to bear the burden today, and the wisdom to put aside any worry for tomorrow. Make time to wait and listen for his voice.

4. Get out into the sunshine.

5. Resist urges to comfort yourself by over-indulging in unhealthy habits (overspending, overeating, getting lost in books or the Internet, partying - you know what your own temptations are). You know in your heart that it is only a temporary solution that will create a bigger mess to deal with later.

6. If you feel guilt, don’t bury it in denial, but address it. There may be something that you need to change; but you can’t hear the voice of truth if your heart is swamped in guilt.

7. Look around you to see if there is someone you can help. 

Are you having a bad time right now? I would love to hear your story if you need someone to listen and pray for you.