the perfect set-up

I'm a very social person. At this time in my life, when I am usually surrounded by kids, I tend to enjoy spending time with other women that are like me-Moms that spend a lot of time raising their children and taking care of the home. I enjoy hearing what other women have to say about their lives and their kids. I take in as much advice and info. as I can...anything that will make my life a little easier. The one thing that I hear all too often is how much pressure we put on ourselves to be the "perfect" woman. We wear so many hats and juggle so many plates, that it shouldn't come as a shock when one of them falls, yet we still feel surprised and disappointed at this inevitable failure. What is it exactly that makes us want or need to strive to be perfect? I know that I often find myself comparing my life to those of others. If I go to a friend's house that is super clean, I suddenly feel jealous because my home doesn't look like that, and disappointed in myself that I am not able to constantly maintain an immaculate house. "Where does she find the time?" I often wonder. I don't know how everyone does it, but I do know this...NO ONE IS PERFECT! For every person that seems perfect, there is some imperfection lurking somewhere.

A long time ago I was helping a friend cook dinner in her home. She too was one of those women that somehow managed to keep an immaculate home with kids. I loved coming to her house, but hated how I would make myself feel after being there. During dinner preparations, I asked for an item and was directed to go to the pantry to find it. To my surprise (and yes, sorry to say, relief and amusement as well) I found a highly disorganized space. I opened the door and things started flying off the shelves they had been stuffed on. I couldn't believe it! How could such a perfectionist have such an imperfect closet? I'm not sure if my friend ever organized her pantry, maybe she was having an off day. Who knows? I never said a word to her about the pantry because I was so grateful to have learned the surprising truth. No one is perfect. Sometimes when I am feeling overwhelmed because there is so much to do, I ask myself one little question to help me prioritize. What would make God happy? If I choose to scrub the kitchen floor instead of reading my son a book is God going to be happy about that? If I fold the laundry but fail to help my daughter with her homework, am I really succeeding at anything? Life is give and take. We have only two hands and only one body. We must make most of the time that we are allowed, but not at the expense of personal fulfillment and enjoyment. Time well-wasted is time well spent, too. It's not that you should spend all of your time doing nothing and never let anything bother you, but spend your time wisely and don't forget to make fun a priority too. Even if it means that the dishes won't get done until tomorrow. Ladies, (and any men who can relate)STOP SETTING YOURSELVES UP FOR FAILURE! Remember, when you die one day, will your child remember the fun day you spent with them at the park, or the day you washed the dishes, folded the laundry, and cleaned the toilets?