Peering over the seven little heads between her and the slate gray countertop was her favorite round white porcelain coffee mug. The bitter sweet aroma entangled her, she drifted past the crying and nursery rhymes that bounced off every corner of the room. Tiptoeing over blocks, toy cars, baby rattles and crushed Honey Nut Cheerios on the ground she made her way to the kitchen. Claire reaches over the counter for her favorite mug, her knees collapse as a tiny black curly haired head cracks between her legs.
“Mom, mom, mama,” said Jaxy.
“Yes, my sweet baby girl. It's time for breakfast,” Claire said.
I picked up and carried Jaxy over to the highchair.
“Settle down, my littles sit down, big kids get your backpacks and head to the door!”
Rumbling came from the stairs.The fresh sweet woody scent of his cologne smacked me in the face.
“Babe, did you find my keys? Where is my lunch, did you make me coffee?” asked Chris.
“No, on the counter and I haven't had time to make your coffee yet” said Claire. “Don’t forget to pick up the kids early from school today.”
“Is today my day?” said Chris.
“If you forget to pick them up, rest assured the school will call you!” Claire said. “I don't have time for this today, please spare me.”
“Why can’t you have a sense of humor? I will remember, promise.” said Chris.
“I have a daunting day ahead of me and a to-do list from here to the next galaxy. So I suggest you pick up some coffee on your way to work.” Claire said.
Chris was distracted by the constant vibrating coming from his watch, and the surround sound playing “the wheels on the bus” that he forgot to take his lunch as he walked out the door.
The red ink from the magnetic calendar on the shiny gray fridge is glaring at me with my to-do list. Doctor 10am, zoom 11am, therapy 3pm, Class 6pm and work from 8pm to 12am. Yet the regular chores are listening mocking me from the corner of my eye. The pile of dirty dishes are taunting me while I try again to reach for my round white porcelain mug of heaven.
Just one sip of the brewed espresso would give me the extra pep that today is going to require. The savory warm espresso with a hint of hazelnut danced on my tongue with the gulp I took in.
“Ok, let's get the day started!” said Claire.
I rush over to the laundry room and shuffle a load of towels to wash, my mind is meticulously organizing the task of the day and I get interrupted by "mama" again.
Before time slips away, I begin to dress the toddlers for the day. Each one is color coordinated in yellow t-shirts and short blue jeans.
The bright blue sky is tempting me to make the walk to the park with the kids. And the warmth of the sun invites you to want to bask in its glory. In the breeze comes a crisp smell of fresh cut grass. It's a perfect day to be outdoors.
“Let’s all go for a walk kids, grab your shoes.” Claire said.
As the kids ran and played at the park Claire was able to make some of her appointments and cross them off her to-do list.
“Mom, Mommy, Mama, I'm hungry!” said Jaxy.
“Ok, baby. Come kids, let's get ready to get lunch.” said Claire
While the kids sat down to eat their lunch and relax. Claire went to tackle her daily chores in robotic fashion shuffling between the laundry room and the kitchen. Leaving everything folded and cleaned in between, lastly was the slate gray countertop. The round porcelain white mug with cold coffee was still there.
She picked up the mug and drank the rest of her coffee.
When the sun began to set, the list of red words on the refrigerator door were almost all checked off.
Now is a perfect time to make an espresso, sit at the table with the laptop, get to work and patiently wait for the soothing aroma to fill the room. Once again on the counter awaits the round white porcelain mug.
Right before midnight she crossed off all the things on her to-do list.
In retrospect she conquered it all.
***Philipians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Somedays are more overwhelming than others, but remember God created you just for this life! When you are in need of support feel free to schedule a call with me a proverbs mama.
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