“On this ordinary day, let me recognize the gift you are. Teach me, cherish you, and appreciate you before you fade away. Let me not overlook you in pursuit of some elusive and perfect tomorrow. Allow me to embrace you while I can, for this may not always be the case. One day, I will crave your return more than anything else.” – Inspired by Mary Jean Irion
Motherhood is a tapestry woven from countless days. Some shine brightly, while others may dim, but most are simply “ordinary” days. Days filled with routines and schedules, moments of cleaning up after the kids, and nightly struggles to get them to sleep. Days brimming with laughter and tears, joy and frustration.
In the realm of parenting, these ordinary days can be a whirlwind of chaos, wonder, monotony, and joy—all at once. That is the essence of what it means to be a parent.
Yet, amid the beauty, we often find ourselves disillusioned by the very fabric of these ordinary days. The chaos can overwhelm us. The temper tantrums can fray our nerves. The monotony of daily tasks can feel like a relentless drip, slowly wearing us down.
Ordinary doesn’t always feel pleasant. The nights spent waking up repeatedly to comfort a child can feel burdensome. The mornings filled with sleepy kids racing to find their shoes can become tiresome. The daily struggles with homework or sibling disputes can wear thin.
How frequently do we find ourselves wishing away these mundane moments? How often do we long for a future that seems more appealing, a “perfect tomorrow”?
I catch myself in this mindset often. While scrubbing the kitchen for what feels like the hundredth time, or reminding my kids for the umpteenth time to dispose of their wrappers, or hearing them call out when they should be sound asleep, I yearn for the days when their needs seem less demanding.
But even as I acknowledge the relentless nature of those demands, I pause to take stock. I mentally capture this ordinary day and remind myself that there may come a time when I would give anything to return to this moment.
This notion is not far-fetched. I think of the single father I knew whose only child battled a severe illness. I recall their days since the diagnosis to the heartbreaking moment of loss. What he wouldn’t give for a chance to relive an ordinary day.
I reflect on my own family’s experiences during my sister-in-law’s prolonged struggle with illness, where our days felt anything but ordinary.
I remember the impact of sudden loss in my life, how it shattered my young world, and how I long for the stability of normalcy.
I think of those living through war, famine, or extreme hardship, refugees seeking safety and a sense of normal life.
I recall the devastating accidents and the choices that haunt families.
Amidst the chaos and challenges, I find myself grateful for the gift of an ordinary day. It’s not that we should never express our frustrations because others may have it worse. Comparing our struggles is unhelpful, and I don’t mean to diminish our feelings or experiences.
However, there is profound beauty in recognizing the blessing of an ordinary day. Even when it feels overwhelming, even when the routine grinds you down, even when you crave a break from the everyday, the simple fact that you can call a day “ordinary” is worth celebrating.
Let’s cherish our ordinary days for the gifts they provide. Let’s learn from them and express gratitude for their offerings. Let’s strive to appreciate them rather than wishing them away; we can never know what tomorrow has in store.
“On this ordinary day, let me recognize the treasure you are.” Indeed.
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In summary, while ordinary days may seem mundane, they are rich with experiences and lessons that deserve recognition and appreciation. Let’s embrace these moments for the treasures they truly are.