Enough.

Do you ever feel that sting? As in, “I-am-not-exactly-sure-what-I-really-accomplished-today” sting? You know the one…you show up (late) to your daughter’s Halloween school party with store-bought football cupcakes (because that’s the only remotely fall-related item left in the bakery), which, of course, were placed next to the Pinterest-award-winning pumpkin sprinkle cookie treats…

… only to be asked, “Why didn’t you make the cupcakes like ______’s mommy did?”

Ouch.

Yup. Been there. Felt like that. A thousand times over.

Well, sweet, gorgeous soul…I have some i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e. news to share with you. Do you want to know what life-changing secret that keeps me going on those felt-like-I-fell-flat-on-my-face kind of days?

These utterly simple words…

You ARE enough. You are MORE than enough. Your effort. Your desires. Your unfinished to-do lists. E.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. aspect of your amazing heart and soul.

E.n.o.u.g.h.

I can’t even begin to describe what kind of a struggle this has been for me in my own life. That never-ending tug-o-war. And since making the family decision to stay home with our precious girls for the next few years, that feeling of not “doing”, “being” and “acting” enough has only intensified. Multiplied.

There are days when I don’t make it out of my sweatpants.

Days when I had the best intentions in the world to sort through the massive pile of mail glaring me in the face, from our kitchen corner…yet, the next morning…the pile had only enlarged.

Days when chicken nuggets and grapes made their way to the dinner table for the second night in-a-row.

Days when I wonder “what-in-the-world-did-I-accomplish today?”

And then, beautiful souls…then, I remember. I take a deep breath. Pause. And I put my mind on rewind…

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)

The work of MY hands. YES!

~I helped a two-year-old learn how to draw a happy face. And now I see her repeating her drawings, over-and-over-and-over again.

~I got everyone up-and-out the door on time.

~I cleaned up a spill of more than one-hundred beans. Inside of the pantry. Between every box and bag. While a two-year-old tried to consume them. All.

~I comforted a newly-turned-six-year-old, whose perfectionism can be beyond overwhelming.

~I prevented a battle between a four-year-old monkey and a two-year-old dinosaur.

~I did two loads of laundry.

~I picked up every toy in the house. Three Four times.

~I watched three sweet, beautiful girls grow. Laugh. Learn.

I am someone who loves to work. (Crazy, I know, right?!) Someone who loves to be driven. Who loves to make a difference in the world. And in making this big adjustment for our family, I have come to realize…not every day will encompass something that changes the entire world. Some days will simply encompass something(s) that supports my husband. Something(s) that helps to teach my daughter(s) a simple lesson. Some days will simply include sitting back and absorbing e.v.e.r.y. o.u.n.c.e. of Grace that He has bestowed upon us, and offering my prayers of Thanksgiving.

Some days will simply be reflecting upon the truth that I. am. enough.

My presence. My ideas. My wants. My wishes.

I am pretty sure the Proverbs 31 woman had a few “off” days as well.

So, take heart, sweet friends. Especially you precious mamas. And know, some days are just meant to “be”. To “be” enjoyed. To “be” restful. To “be” reflective.

Everything you do. Everything you are. Everything you wish to accomplish.

It is all enough.

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you.” (Isaiah, 43:4).