A Favorite Christmas Memory

When I was probably 5 or 6, my mom and I were out Christmas shopping and she found this really pretty collectible doll that had a wind-up thing on it that played a song and the little doll would rock back and forth to the music. "Mommy, is that going to be my present!?" "No I'm buying this for me for Christmas!" she said. That was so confusing to me. You can't buy a present for yourself because then you wouldn't be surprised on Christmas morning when you open it! That Christmas, my mom wrapped up her doll in pretty wrapping paper, put it under the tree and then opened it Christmas morning. 

For years, I couldn't figure out my mom's odd behavior. I would think about it every year and ponder why she did that. But now that I have had 4 Christmases as a mom, I finally understand why she did that. 

She was taking care of herself.

As a mom, we give and we give and we give. We are lucky if we get a full, unrushed meal... or a shower. 

So it's important for us to take care of ourselves! We can't give out anything of ourselves to our husband, our children, or others if we HAVE nothing to give out! 

Reading our Bible, taking time "off" from motherhood by getting coffee with a friend, working out, or even buying a little extra something for ourselves.... find things that pour back into you, that fill you up. 

This applies to everyone! While stay-at-home moms do especially struggle with having any time to themselves or having no routine change and dealing with the same people 24/7.....  anyone can commit too much of their time to something. We need to be careful that we don't burn ourselves out. Because when we do that, we can't do what God is asking us to do: show love to others. If we are too overwhelmed and haven't taken time to ourselves we end up giving everyone the LAST of what we have... which is usually snippy and grumpy.

People deserve your best. Your family deserves your best. You deserve your best. God deserves your best. Make sure you take time to grow and encourage yourself,

Thanks Momma... for unknowingly teaching me that lesson all those years ago. Thank you for taking time for yourself so you could give me your best. <3

What are some things you can think of that your mother did to take care of  herself in order to be able to give back to you? Comment here on the blog or on Facebook! Tag your mom or share this with her as a THANK YOU!