“Ordinary day, let me recognize your worth. Help me appreciate, cherish, and honor you before you slip away. May I not overlook your presence while chasing after some elusive ideal tomorrow. I wish to embrace you while I can, as you may not always be here. One day, I may find myself yearning for your return, whether I’m digging my fingers into the earth, burying my face in a pillow, stretching my limbs, or reaching my hands toward the heavens.” – Inspired by Mary Jean Irion
Motherhood is woven from countless days, filled with a blend of highs and lows, but predominantly, it’s about those “ordinary” days. These are the days packed with routines, naptimes, and the never-ending cycle of tidying up after little ones. They’re days brimming with laughter, tears, tickles, and the occasional tantrum.
In the life of a parent, normal days can feel chaotic, enchanting, tedious, and joyful, often all at once. That’s the essence of “normal” when you’re navigating parenthood.
However, it’s easy to become frustrated with the mundane aspects of these normal days. The chaos can feel overwhelming, the tantrums can test your patience, and the monotony can wear you down like persistent raindrops.
Normal doesn’t always evoke joy. The routine of waking up multiple times at night to comfort a child can feel burdensome. Mornings filled with sleepy kids scrambling to find their shoes can lead to exasperation. Evening struggles with homework or sibling squabbles can become tiresome.
How often do we find ourselves wishing away those unremarkable moments? How frequently do we yearn to leap forward to “some rare and perfect tomorrow”? This is a sentiment I relate to all too well. As I scrub the kitchen for the umpteenth time or prompt my children to discard their wrappers yet again, or hear their voices calling from their rooms long after bedtime, I often dream of a time when their demands feel less overwhelming.
Yet, in those moments of exhaustion, I pause and take stock. I capture a mental snapshot of my ordinary day and remind myself that there may come a time when I would give anything to return to this exact moment.
This isn’t a far-off idea. I recall a friend, Lucy, whose only child faced a terminal illness. I consider their journey, from the moment of diagnosis to the harsh reality of the child’s passing at just twelve. What she would give for a normal day again.
I reflect on our family’s experience during my mother-in-law’s prolonged struggle with cancer, which transformed our days into anything but normal. I remember the shock of losing my uncle, an event that forever altered my ten-year-old perspective.
I think of those enduring hardship, whether due to war, famine, poverty, or those simply seeking a sliver of normalcy in dire situations. I contemplate the sudden losses, unexpected traumas, and the difficult decisions that life sometimes demands.
In light of all this, I find myself grateful for the gift of an ordinary day, even amidst its frustrations and challenges. It’s not about denying our feelings or comparing our struggles to others; rather, it’s about recognizing the beauty in the simple gift of normalcy. Even when the daily grind feels overwhelming, the ability to call a day “normal” is indeed something to appreciate.
So let us cherish our ordinary days for the treasures they truly are. Let us extract lessons and thank them for all they provide. Let’s strive not to wish them away, for the future is uncertain.
“Ordinary day, let me recognize your worth.” Indeed.
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In summary, while the daily routine of motherhood may sometimes feel monotonous, it’s essential to appreciate those “normal” days for the unique experiences they offer, recognizing that these moments are fleeting and precious.