Holding down the Fort

Steve left for a work trip last week and returned Monday afternoon. This is the first trip he's gone on since Olivia's birth were I've had to manage things here by myself. (His first two post Olivia business trips, I had family in town to help with the kiddos). I was a little hesitant about him leaving, but I knew we would be fine. I'm pretty used to him traveling by this point with his job and although it's never been "easy" it has become "easier" over time.

The number one question or statement I hear when Steve travels is,

"How do you do it?" Or "I don't know how you do it!"

And I get it, I understand why people say this...it seems hard, lonely and frustrating. Yes. Yes. And Yes! But I learned early on in his travels that it doesn't help to focus on the difficulty, to have a negative outlook or bad attitude because it greatly affects how I parent and handle things while he is away. 

So I choose to avoid focusing on the difficult and rather lean into the Lord, because the way I "make it" while Steve is away is...

ONLY by God's grace! 

Let me explain {because by now if you've read any of our blog posts, you know I find lessons in the little (and big) things in life}...

I see God's grace through my kids attitudes learning to be cooperative.  {always-no, increasing-yes}. So Its encouraging to me that the things we are diligently teaching them, are beginning to take form through their lives.

I see God's grace in how I respond to them {allowing me to be patient, rather than quick to anger} when they don't obey.

I see God's grace in giving me enough energy to get through my day. But let me be honest here: I. AM. TIRED. {Especially today}. After Steve is gone for several days in a row, my body aches and I'm physically worn out!

I see God's grace in protecting our family from harm while Steve's away - like when I almost burned the house down on Saturday night as I was cooking dinner {of course after I finally got all kids in bed and had the chance to make myself something to eat}. No really...I almost BURNED. DOWN. THE. HOUSE.

I see God's grace in bringing friends who rally around me to come hang out, help with kiddos and enjoy a meal with me. This has been a huge blessing to me. I'm thankful for the body of Christ that God has strategically placed in our lives at this time. People who love me AND our kiddos; who go out of their way and make time in their day (a lot of them on their days off from work) to come play with the kids, allow me to have adult conversation, help me take the whole gang to Karis' first gymnastics class and even bring me a latte! These friends and fellow believers are a TRUE blessing. BIG THANKS also to the many who offer a hand to help when they see me managing all three kiddos alone while I'm out and about, your assistance doesn't go unnoticed and is always so appreciated!

No I'm not super mom {although Isaac did call me Super Mama today!} I have a much greater power inside of me that raised Christ from the dead...so surely it's enough power to sustain me through a few days with three kiddos sans hubby! Can I get an amen?!

So as I sit, holding this sweet three month old close, snuggled up into arms. I am reminded of how close I should draw near to God (daily). He is my comforter, sustainer, protector and foundation.  He made me and He knew I would be Karis, Isaac and Olivia's mama, that my husband would travel for work during part of this season of raising little ones and He has (and is) equipping me to bring His name the most glory through raising my kiddos each day, when Steve is here or on the road. Praise be to HIM!