Sometimes I Just Need a Little Encouragement

Since going back to work I've been struggling with taking care of the babies, Olivia, and John (and myself!) while also working full time and making sure the house is clean (it's not) and that dinner is on the table (it gets there though its not what I'd call a "real dinner" most nights - I'm lucky if I can get O a hot dog, vegetables and milk).  Taking care of two babies is no cake walk and I'm really feeling the effects of sleep deprivation and frustration.  I'm constantly having to remind myself that all of the struggles are temporary.  The boys will start sleeping through the night and things will get easier.  My mom forwarded me some stuff to encourage me and remind me of this (thanks Mom!).  I highlighted the ones in the first e-mail that I found particularly relevant for where I am right now.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.33. Believe in miracles.34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I have to remember that the babies aren't always going to be the size they are now forever.  I got a link to a friend's pictures of her twins and I realized that I was already forgetting what mine were like when they were only a few weeks old.  I don't want to waste my time being upset while they're this little because they are only this little once, and like it said above, they only have one childhood.  Plus, with them being my last babies I want to enjoy every age.

The other e-mail she send has to do with asking for help.  Specifically asking for God's help.


There, before the throne of God, is a huge multitude of people, and they're all shaking their fists at him and complaining about this situation and that, and each person ends his complaint with "Why didn't you do something?" And then God says to all of us, "Why didn't you ask?"

— from Dion the Wanderer Talks Truth
 
I really thought I'd be able to handle the twins without much help.  Boy was I wrong!  Two babies isn't just two times the work.  It's way more than that.  I have been extremely lucky though in that both boys are incredibly healthy and normal and so many people have come out to help us out.  My family is the best and I know that when I need help they, and He, will be there for me.  I just need to ask.