Jenny Stricklin Photography

Girls. These girls (plus a few more not pictured) have, in many ways, been my reservoir of joy and growth and perseverance over the past three years.

So I felt it worth posting this posey-posey pic of all of us from our get together tonight…

It’s funny cause we’ve taken about 19 group photos in this same corner over the months… So when someone said, “Let’s get a picture!”, everyone filed into their well-worn  place. I like that. I like routine and familiarity. And I love the comfortability of genuine, time-proven friendships.

Things are about to change for my family over the coming weeks (maybe another blog post?)… but I’m sure thankful for the stability in relationships with sweet friends like these.

I highly recommend them to anyone who’s friend shopping!

[It's been a while since I've written a "from the heart" post.... but it just felt right today. So read at your own risk. And please still be my friend afterward.]

I didn’t transition all that well into motherhood. Those who love me, might politely counter back, “Oh Jen, yes you did. You’re a natural.”

But the fact is: I didn’t. And I’m not.

Now, I’m pretty good at faking it… with pretty much anything I’m responsible for yet not too good at. I can put my big girl panties and a face of confidence and “pretend” like I know what’s what. And usually that works until I’ve actually learned how to do what I’m doing.

But parenting. Dad-gum.

And ya know. It might just be me. Cause I rarely here other people announce or even admit that it’s unbelievably difficult and demanding.

And maybe other mothers did tell me.  As a pre-parent. Maybe I was too distracted by my visions of playing dress-up with my fresh-smelling newborn to hear.

Whatever the case. I just thought maybe it might be profitable for another young mom like me…or a girl who’s got baby fever…or even someone who’s not sure about bringing a little peanut into the world…. to hear someone  say it. That yeah, it’s ridiculously hard. Stupid hard. Wanna-quit-sometimes-hard.

BUT…

I recently tried Crossfit on for size… and I bet I heard 35 times the first night I was there something like, “Push through the pain. The harder it gets, the more it matters that you keep going. The hard part is when the best things happen.”  Now, at that moment, as I was begging for a break and sucking wind like crazy, that particular little pep talk made me want to punch something. And I’m not even an aggressive person.

But…

While my kids were in their rooms for nap time today, and I was finishing up my diet Dew, I put the two together.

Parenting is hard. Painfully hard a times. Physically, emotionally. Hear me!!

But from experience, I can affirm that it’s in the uncomfortable difficulty that the best stuff happens.

And when I look at these sweet little toddler faces, it’s like I’m hearing them say, “MOM! The harder it gets the more it matters that you keep going!”

So. Just call me the energizer bunny.

And maybe bring me some chocolate.

On the anniversary of THE tornado, I’m reposting my thoughts from the day after the tragedy. Thinking about whether or not my perspective really changed….

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On Tuesday, I complained about our drippy faucet. On Wednesday, I was thankful we have clean water.

On Tuesday, I was frustrated with the mess around our house. On Wednesday, I was happy to be surrounded by all of our belongings.

On Tuesday, I was ready to have a “night to ourselves.” On Wednesday, I opened my door with joy to my neighbors.

On Tuesday I wanted a break from my fussy babies. On Wednesday, I couldn’t quit hugging and kissing them.

On Tuesday, I argued with my husband. On Wednesday, I let love cover over our differences.

On Tuesday, my thoughts were on me…. what to wear, what to eat, when i was gonna do what i needed to do. On Wednesday, my focus was on others…. their needs, their hurts, their loss.

On Tuesday, I had no immediate intentions of reaching out and meeting the tangible needs of our city. On Wednesday, I joined others in desperately searching for ways to help.

I took Tuesday for granted.

I thank GOD that He graciously allowed me to have Wednesday… and Thursday… and……

My perspective has been altered. May it never change.