Boasting in Weakness, Finding Strength

The times, they are a-changin'. We are not even a full two weeks into the Safer-At-Home order in my state, and I'm already entering uncharted territory.

I have:

• baked

• sewn

• homeschooled

• researched toilet paper alternatives

• pulled weeds on a daily basis

For some of you this is a normal Tuesday. Not for this lady.

And I know I'm not alone in this. I have friends that are tackling home projects and cutting their husband's hair for the first time! I can tell you confidently my husband has two options: look like a shaggy dog or be bald.

We are staying home, and staying safe. Furthermore, we are stepping out of our comfort zones! Or rather, being pushed out quite deliberately.

My comfort zone is the label society gave me -- Boy Mom. I have three boys. I have no girls. It's quite simple. There is only me and an onslaught of daily zombie attacks, dinosaur quizzes, blood wars, inappropriate poop jokes, and quests for mud.

Hear me Roar. And sometimes cry for help.

I have always been good with my label of Boy Mom. I wouldn't say I fit very well in any other category, and that's just fine. At this point, my kids have not suffered from me being ill informed about PTO meetings, and have not starved simply because I wouldn't win a single bake sale.

I don't read every food label. I don't count their vegetable portions every week. I don't shuttle them around to a million sporting events (not yet any way - they are all under the age of 6, after all).

I can't garden, I am a terrible cook, and our crafts always tend to look like a kindergartner orchestrated the whole thing, rather than a grown individual who is obsessed with organization.

I can keep on going with the things I cannot do that fall under stereotypical "mom" jobs, but I believe I have stacked enough 'Cool Mom' points for the day! (Har har) Plus, that's not really the point of this article.

It's ok to have a whale-of-a-list of weaknesses (in fact, it's normal). Thankfully, it is through these weaknesses we may lean on God's strength.

And before the whole COVID-19 pandemic, there was really no push to do and be all of these things. There was a myriad of resources at our fingertips to help us fill in the gaps. But now the times, they are a-changing. At least, those options we once had aren't as physically present as they once were, and the pressure to be the parent that "does it all" can be a little overwhelming.

We're talking:

• No play dates - it's just you now so get that imagination cranking again

• No park time - I need it to stop being cold/raining so our backyard holds more value

• No school - online school is different when your kid is a certain age or learns best kinesthetically

• No church - there is definitely something different about physically going to church

• All the home meals - oh boy

You guys know the drill.

Since I'm someone who is ... let's say keenly self-aware of their weaknesses, I am so grateful for God's grace and strength during this time. Something that may seem small and simple, like making a meal or being around the noise of a family all day, can be difficult for others. (Hint)

Praying regularly and leaning on God has helped me tremendously. I'm being given the opportunity to grow in my faith, and I don't want to ignore it.

This pandemic is not solely a health one; it's impact is economic, geopolitical, and spiritual. There is always an opportunity for God to be glorified. For His kingdom to spread, and for more to know of His love for us.

Lord, give me the strength to be present for my family. God help me to see other's needs as a gift to serve and never a burden. Grant me wisdom to find creative solutions to uplift and provide for others during this time. Help me to be cognizant of those I may come in contact with -- neighbors, friends, co-workers. Let me be Christ-like in my actions and behavior so your kingdom may grow, and I may be humbled. Amen.

#pandemic #2corinthians #faith #parenting #boymom #covid19 #momlife