I wanted to take an opportunity to share a post from Jennifer Rothschild. Jennifer is a nationally known author and speaker who has written 11 books, including the bestsellers Lessons I Learned in the Dark, Self Talk-Soul Talk. She’s been featured on Good Morning America, The Dr. Phil Show, The Learning Channel, Women of Faith and Extraordinary Women.
She is the founder of Fresh Grounded Faith events and womensministry.net. She and her husband, whom she affectionately calls “her very own Dr. Phil,” have 2 sons and a lovely daughter-in-law.
Jennifer has just released a new book, and let me say that I can relate to the topic… and I believe many others will, too! It’s called Invisible: How You Feel Is Not Who You Are.
The following is a post from Jennifer that I wanted to share with my readers:
Okay, here’s an honest question for you:
Have you ever felt swallowed up in the dailiness of your life—doing the same old chores and tasks over and over and over again?
I sure have. I think we all have.
When I was a young mom, I remember one particular night when Clayton was 13 years old and about as emotionally exhausting as a child could be. “Why can’t I… ” or “How come everyone else is allowed to… ” and “That isn’t fair!” were the phrases I was combating all day long. And I mean A-L-L day long!
At the same time, I had three-year-old Connor, who was physically exhausting—busy, active, and loud! One of his favorite things to do was pull all the pots and pans from the cabinet and bang on them with wooden spoons. So while Clayton was draining my brain, Connor was wearing me out!
That night, to escape the constant interrogation from budding lawyer Clayton and the banging and clanging of little drummer Connor, I escaped into my closet and shut the door. I tried to ease my tension by doing some Lamaze breathing—you think that is only for the pain of childbirth? Sister, you need that for the pain of child rearing!
After a few deep breaths, I thought I could face them again without screaming or crying. I don’t mean their screaming or crying—I mean mine! What I really wanted to do was run away from home!
When the drumming ended, I heard Connor asking Clayton, “Where’s Mommy?”
“I dunno,” Clayton grunted.
Evidently, though, they discussed this enough to send out a search party. I heard them calling, but I didn’t answer. I heard them opening and closing doors, but I stayed hidden behind mine.
I soon heard them coming down the hall, knocking on my bedroom door, calling, “Mom! Mommy! ”
I must admit I will win no Mom-of-the-Year awards for what I’m about to tell you. I ignored them.
I so wanted to disappear that I didn’t answer them. I thought, I’ve had it. They’ll be fine. Clay can take care of Connor for just a little while. Heck, he can raise him.
Then I heard Connor ask, “Can I have a Capri Sun?”
“Sure! Go get one,” Clayton replied.
Well, that’s all it took. There was no way my three-year-old was going to open one of those exploding juice grenades all by himself I bolted out of the closet and into the kitchen.
Now, wouldn’t you think that someone at that point would have asked, “Where were you?” Nope! Connor just asked for some cookies, and Clayton launched into a closing argument about why he was innocent of the juice that was splattered all over the kitchen!
I know I’m not alone here, right? Every woman has had those moments when she gets familiarity fatigue.
You would think the familiar would be a reassuring place, but sometimes we can feel stuck in the familiar.
It just doesn’t seem right that something as amazing as motherhood could ever get old. But when the dailiness of motherhood – the serving, the disciplining, the running around – overwhelms us and feels all too familiar, we can lose sight of those moments of joy and how amazing it really is.
And, it’s the same thing with the reality that we are God’s beloved. We are loved by our God, sister. He sees us; He sees you. (Even when you’re hiding in a closet!)
When the dailiness of life overwhelms you, you can overlook the truth that you are His workmanship. You are the apple of His Eye. Your name is etched in the palm of His hand. You are loved with an everlasting love.
When something becomes familiar, it can be overlooked. You’ve heard it over and over—God loves you and you matter to Him. You’ve seen it in your Bible a million times that you are the apple of His Eye! But, it’s all too easy to get so used to those truths about us that we can forget that we are the loved, accepted and complete daughters of God Himself! We can start to feel stuck, when actually, the truth about who we are sets us free!
Now, that makes me want to bang some pots and pans and lift my Capri Sun in a toast to you and all those beautiful truths about us that I don’t ever want to overlook!
Sister, let me leave you with this question. What truth about you is so familiar that you are prone to overlook it? Carefully consider this question, and join me in this prayer:
Lord, interrupt my routine today. I can get so distracted and can lose sight of how radical your love for me is. Remind me of your truths and keep them fresh on my heart.
Jennifer Rothschild’s new book, Invisible: How You Feel is Not Who You Are is now available! If you order this week, you’ll receive several free gifts as Jennifer’s way to say thank you! Visit www.theInvisibleBook.org to learn more and grab your copy.
More about Jennifer Rothschild: Jennifer is a CS Lewis junkie who enjoys strong coffee, dark chocolate, great conversation, international travel and audiobooks. Jennifer became blind at age fifteen and now helps others live beyond limits. Learn more at www.JenniferRothschild.com
As I read Jennifer’s selection, I.wanted to shout “Amen Sister!”. I too have had moments of wanting to be invisible. Then I read “about Jennifer” and I was stopped in my tracks. Amazed that she has been blind since 16! I then re read her passage with my new knowledge. My “Amen sister” was.a little more subdued and with more awe. What an amazing woman and mother!
Nancy, yes, I felt the same way, too! Thanks for posting!
Yes. I feel invisible and alone when I live my “Groundhog Day” life With my son with autism. I feel unnoticed and unappreciated. I don’t know if that’s autism-or just normal life? But I always look for some encouragement anywhere I can find it.
Lauren, I think it’s a little of both? It’s normal, but I can relate to the “Groundhog Day” characteristic of living as an autism mom. He sees you, Lauren. Your work with your son does not go unnoticed.
Don’t give up, Lauren (I won’t either.. 🙂 ) http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm
Kelly
My children are 23 and 20. I remember those days all too well. These days, we live on a small ranch. We have 16 sheep, 1 llama, 3 emu, lots of chicken, 3 ducks, 1 rabbit and 8 dogs. Some days, I wish that I was back in the days of young children!
I’m counting 24 animals… right? Wow! Every day must be a great adventure on your ranch. Thanks for writing! : -)
I actually ran away from home once I am ashamed to say. Widowed at a young age with two children, one to be born eight days later. Oh, the children were older and able to take care of themselves for 24 hours by the time this happened. Satan kept telling me I could not raise three children alone. I found he is a liar and that God had already given me everything I needed for the job He had brought to me. There was no internet, no close family. So thankful you are reaching out moms of all ages. I have someone in mind for the book.
Philippians 4:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
You have an amazing testimony, Sharon. I am so glad that you proved him wrong!