The Controlling Mom

I usually try and simplify things as much as possible while my husband, Joel, is away for work. Which usually means french toast for dinner, family naps, movies, and throwing the two older kids in the bath to contain them for a bit. We also stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to go into town. It's a little tricky to take three kids to the store when they all need to fit into the cart and the two in the back fight over who's on their side. We've developed a pretty good routine at home that keeps us all pretty happy. Sometimes we get brave and go to the mall play area, but usually we save the daring adventures until Joel gets home. I've always been a very independent person. I like to do things on my own and depend on myself. So, basically... I'm a control freak. God has been working on this with me for so long. Lately, I've been constantly faced with things that I can't handle on my own. As moms, we have a lot on our plates at all times. Daily we are the chef, entertainer, mediator, stylist, maid, hostess, bad guy (if you have boys with pretend swords), and so much more. We're used to doing it all. Joel gets home after a long trip and I have a hard time letting him help. It's not that I don't want the help, it's that I think my way is the best. Very rational, I know. I have my way that works while he's away and he has the audacity to come home and do things his way. How incredibly ridiculous... of myself of course! Do you accept help? If you're at the store, do you let one of the baggers help you to your car? If you're at church, do you let people help you wrangle your rambunctious children? During those busy seasons, do you let people bring you a meal?Oftentimes, I find myself whining about needing help and having a lot on my plate. So why don't I ask for help!? It's easy for moms to think asking for help is weak. "If I ask for help, they're going to think I can't handle my own kids." People aren't asking to help you because they think your incapable, they're asking because nine times out of ten, they've been there! They've had young kids or been in busy seasons and want to help. We also need to remember that no one expects us to do EVERYTHING. It's not humanly possible for a single person to take on every responsibility and stay sane. Hence why God has surrounded us with great support systems. All it takes is a simple yes. Do you need help? Yes.Let people around you love you by helping. Let them do it their way even if you think your way is better. Let people in. The next time someone asks you if you need help, no matter how small the task, say yes.