Our Memorable Adventure

First, I want to give a big shout out to all the full-time and single moms. Wow, you inspire me by showing up every day to love, guide, and care for these little humans, who need so much. 

Although, I am very grateful each day I get to be a mom… the challenges are endless. 

God is so good at giving us, as individuals, talents that match the responsibilities we have. He’s so faithful.

Maverick goes to daycare half of the month, Monday through Friday, it gives me space to work in our business, which I enjoy. Personally, this balance is a gift, that helps me enjoy the time I am being "mom, mom, mom, mom." Ha ha, it literally makes me laugh at the number of times a child can say one word on rapid fire.  

Now, to the story about this past weekend. Jake was at a conference in Pennsylvania, so it was Maverick and I, solo for three nights. 

Mostly, I was excited about this one-on-one time with him, since we don’t get a lot of it. The other part was very nervous about not having enough energy, the number of tantrums he’d possibly have, and if I’d be capable, handling it all myself.

Thankfully, I’ve had impactful mentors, who’ve taught me the power of choosing what I focus on - what thought will you empower for this circumstance?

Remembering this, I decided to lean heavy into excitement, choosing to believe “this weekend will be a fun, memorable, and precious time for us.” 

Then, I prayed, "God go before me, strengthen me as a mom, give me extra grace to love Maverick well and have fun together."

Actually, now that I think of it, that's probably the greatest parenting tip I've ever gotten, that I use regularly. Pray. 

Fast forward, my prayer was answered with tremendous gratitude! 

Instead of writing out every detail of our itinerary, I’ll share my favorite moments, in hopes that it inspires you to choose what you will focus on whenever you feel nervous about upcoming circumstances, like I was. 

Friday, full of great anticipation, I picked him up early to take him to one of my favorite restaurants to eat a yummy meal together. It's a fun atmosphere, good food, and entertaining. There were a few moments we didn’t see eye-to-eye but for the most part we laughed, ate too much, and shared our love. 

My other favorite memory was Saturday when we visited the Zoo in Waco, TX. The weather was sunny and perfect high 60’s, we got there early before the crowds, which is always a plus, and spent the early afternoon walking around being in awe. I got to remove personal agendas, being in a rush, and we had easy connection over the animals. 

In the evening, I made an effort to be off my phone, engaging in what he was doing. Although, it was tempting to be on my phone, choosing to be present was definitely rewarding. That goes a long ways with toddlers, they love to take the lead in activities. 

I feel incredibly blessed by this past weekend. While we missed Jake and happy to welcome him home, I’ll cherish these are memories for the rest of my life. 

To be honest, my nervousness could have stolen the show by focusing more on the “what if this goes wrong” scenarios. 

God says, “Fix your thoughts on what is authentic, honorable, and right and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

I’m so grateful I was able to shift my focus, as I pondered, “what would God want for my situation?”

Answering this question helped me paint a picture for the weekend that was closer to Gods vision, instead of fears vision.

Where are you allowing nervousness, fear, or doubt direct your focus?

Maybe it’s an upcoming circumstance, relationship, result. I encourage you to invite God into your thought process and talk to Him about what His vision is for it.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for being good, faithful, and full of mercy. Thank you that I can come into your Presence authentically and leave filled with hope, thinking about things that are worthy of praise. I confess I don’t always go to You first with my fear or nervousness but let my mind run wild. Forgive me. Holy Spirit, train me to fix my thoughts on what’s honorable, right, pure and admirable. I agree, that I have the mind of Christ, help me to access it every day. Thank you. In Jesus Name, Amen.