“You’ve really got your hands full, don’t you?”
I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard that over the past decade. Whether I’m at the grocery store, a department store, the playground, school drop-off, soccer fields, the pharmacy, the doctor’s office, a restaurant, or even just outside my home — anytime I venture out with one, two, three, or, heaven forbid, four little ones, someone feels the need to comment.
Occasionally, it’s a friendly observation. Other times, it feels more like a judgment on my chaotic decision to take my lively crew into the world. Typically, in my non-confrontational, introverted fashion, I respond with a shy smile and an eye roll that silently communicates, “Yes, my hands are full. Don’t you feel sorry for me?”
But inside, I’m brimming with thoughts and emotions, desperately trying to come up with the perfect, witty comeback for these keen suburban onlookers. The truth is, I relish the fullness of my hands. Why? Because a full set of hands means that many other wonderful things in my life are overflowing as well:
- My arms are cradling sweet little ones who crave hugs, comfort, and love.
- My lap is a playground for toddlers who want stories and laughter.
- My mind buzzes with creative ideas for parties, outings, and crafts to share with my kids.
- My heart swells with wonder at their innocent smiles and kind gestures.
- My calendar is packed with games, events, and family gatherings.
- My refrigerator is stocked with food for hearty meals.
- My home is filled with cribs, bunk beds, and shelves overflowing with books.
- My closets brim with toys, clothes, shoes, and even more toys!
- My attic houses baby gear to be passed down, hand-me-downs, and treasured art projects (each one a masterpiece, of course).
- Even the corners of my home have their own stories to tell.
- And guess what else is full? My heart — overflowing with love.
Are my arms tired? Absolutely. Is my lap a battleground? You bet. Do my thoughts race with anxiety and fear? Every single day. Are there weekends so packed that they feel like a roller coaster? Often. Are my breasts less than perky and working overtime? You can count on it. Am I utterly exhausted by 3 p.m. daily? Without a doubt.
With all this abundance, one might wonder how my heart keeps pace and how my hands don’t just drop everything. I believe that a mother’s heart expands to accommodate the overflow. It helps my hands, embracing all the chaos and joy in the most remarkable ways. It absorbs the good, the bad, and everything in between, digesting it with a softness that only a mother’s heart can provide. Strong yet tender, it must be both.
So, the next time you spot a mom juggling four (or more) kids on a shopping trip, struggling to serve cold pancakes at brunch, or managing her little ones during a stroll to the post office, don’t feel sorry for her and certainly don’t judge. She has chosen to fill her life with these tiny humans, whom she loves dearly. While she certainly enjoys a glass of red wine after a long day, what might seem like a struggle to you is simply her everyday rhythm. She’s living her life, cherishing those around her, and fully embracing the overflow.
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Summary:
This blog post discusses the joys and challenges of parenting, highlighting how a mother’s heart can expand to accommodate the joys and chaos of raising children. It encourages readers not to pity mothers who appear overwhelmed, as they are often filled with love and happiness despite their busy lives.