A few years ago when my boys were three and four, I was a working mom who spent 40+ hours a week teaching third graders, cooking healthy dinners every night when I got home from work, studying for my Master’s degree, potty training my kids, and trying to keep my house clean and in order. No big deal, right?
I recall one day in particular. The sun was shining, my work day had gone smoothly, my boys were content after picking them up from daycare, and I just had a good feeling about this specific evening. Prior to this, I felt like I just couldn’t get my life together! Dinner time was closer to 7:00, the carpet was carpeted with toys, and I was too exhausted to engage in any valuable time with my husband. But today was different. I felt a surge of energy that I didn’t feel before (Perhaps this could be attributed to a few cups of coffee!).
We pulled into the garage, rushed inside, and I immediately started cleaning and somehow cooking dinner at the same time. I felt joy and excitement anticipating my husband’s arrival home from work. He would be so proud of me! I took a deep breath, my eyes glowing with energy glitter, and I loudly exclaimed in my best superhero voice, “I AM WONDER WOMAN!” For real, People. I said it OUTLOUD (I know that’s not a word) while I was alone in my kitchen. And I actually believed myself. Goodness gracious… what followed was a spill, dirty pants, kids whining and complaining, every single Hot Wheel car sprinkled in my living room, a knock at the door from a solicitor selling cleaning supplies, stepping on Hot Wheels in my kitchen, more whining and complaining, and finally… a burnt dinner.
And that’s right when my husband walked through the door. He had to trudge through the toys. The aroma of a burnt casserole greeted him instead of the warm scent of comfort I had worked so hard to create. He was greeted by a wailing wife unloading the dishwasher who had two needy toddlers pulling on both of her legs. As he approached me and asked me what was wrong, I whispered in between my sobs, “It’s just that…I’m NOT Wonder Woman!” Which sent him into a severe fit of chuckles. And we all know that laughter is contagious. So pretty soon, everyone in the kitchen and even the kitchen itself seemed to be laughing!
Here’s what I learned:
No, I’m not Wonder Woman, although somedays I wish I was. I can’t do it all on my own. I need the Lord’s help. And I’m so glad that He promises help to us. Psalm 46:1 tells us, “He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Later in verse 10 we read, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth'”. Yes, my pride was a bit wounded and my home wasn’t the perfect picture that I had envisioned that day, but most importantly I was surrounded by one wonderfully understanding husband who unconditionally accepted my pity party attitude and two energetic boys who soaked up my attention and loved me. As I let go of my expectations, I was filled with God’s peace and contentment. So, be encouraged. Be still and know that He is God…not you. Take refuge in God’s strength, and not your own. And although you may not be Wonder Woman, take heart… God has created you to be a WONDERful Woman!
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