If you have read here for any amount of time you will know that I am a morning person and a goal in life is to  wake up before my children and have my breakfast and quiet time. This summer I have slept in until 6 AM most days…I realize, it could be worse.

Yesterday, I rose before my husband  got back from the gym. Before the kids were up, I had already prepared the coffee, and poured a cup. Yes, I know man doesn’t live on coffee alone, but it helps! As I was saying, I had prepared a cup of coffee, but that was as far as I had gotten. Each time I sat down to eat, then to read my Bible, one of my three children would arise asking for a drink, more breakfast, a t.v. show, and on it went.

As I kissed Ron goodbye (he had already returned and prepared for his day),  and as I started to shut the door behind him, two more requests sounded. He looked at me in sympathy and told me he would be praying for our day.

Wife, mother, grandmother, can you nod your head emphatically?

Some might say I haven’t developed a sense of independence in our children. Well that may be, but they are all 5 years of age and under. The truth of the matter is, children require attention at no fault of their own.

We played, read, and I vaccummed the whole house and it was only 10:30 AM. After I took the trash outside and breathed the fresh air of a beautiful day, I decided to take the kids to the pool. I had toyed with the idea all morning and just wasn’t sure I had it in me.

We loaded up our supplies and made way to the community pool with noodles, swimmies, and towels in hand.

Maybe 10 minutes into the experience a snack request was made, then a bathroom break, followed by more snack requests, juice box requests, and then multiple potty breaks ensued.

In short we had a great time. The kids all practiced their swimming and played and giggled with me and each other. Then it was time to go.

Everyone was changed and in their proper seats in the double stroller when one of the boys said, “I have to potty.”

Four simple words, but oh the stress that encompassed me. That was enough for me to declare, “I need a break!”

Are you there dear one? Are you in need of a break? A time-out, away, a respite?

It is never just one stress that pushes us to the point where fists are clenched and sighs are heavy. It is the combination of multiple stresses unaddressed, absent in prayer, and pushed beneath the surface. I know, I am there, I have been there, and in all likelihood I will visit this place again.

Thankfully, God’s Word does not remain silent on the topic of fatigue, in Galatians 6:9, Paul instructs the saints:

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Dear reader-friend, whatever good you need to keep doing, do it. In due season you will reap if you do not give up. Let the words of Christ as penned through Paul encourage us and admonish us today. God is not slow in fulfilling His promises for He makes everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Keep doing good, as I purpose to do the same,