Our culture these days is wack. I mean seriously. It just is. It seems like everyday, lately, there is a new story of something that we need to be aware of- a disease, a person, a food, a bathroom...etc. It's a lot to take in. And as Mommas (dads too)  I feel like the weight of all those things is carried double on our shoulders because not only are we looking out for ourselves but we are constantly on the look out to protect our kids! Call it the "Mama-Bear" in us or what but if something or someone tried to get between me and my kids... oh. you just better get out the way. 

Lately, I have been feeling the pressure of our society SO much. I feel like my head has to be constantly on a swivel when we go out, when we pull into our house, just really, unfortunately, everywhere. It's exhausting.

And, I mean, we have enough to keep our minds full throughout the day without adding in other distractions! Some examples... When did my child eat last? Did she just put something in her mouth? What is in her mouth? It's way too quiet in here, where is she? Is she pooping? Is the color of this poop normal? Is she dehydrated? I'm sure she's fine but what if it's a serious illness. Is she normal? Am I normal? Why am I still watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse? She went to bed 20 minutes ago. I should really take her out to the park or the pool or just somewhere that will stimulate her. I need a shower. When will I be able to shower today? Shoot. Dinner, already? Why does everyone need to eat all the timeeee??? Is it bedtime yet? I'm tired. Are you tired? Are you overtired? Are you going to even sleep tonight? Probably not.

Get my drift? The mind of a momma- it's non-stop. All the time. Pretty talented if you ask me! But seriously, it's too much to keep up with our day-to-day thoughts PLUS all the other craziness that our world is throwing at us.

As all of the pressure kind of came down this past weekend for me, I was reminded of the verse in Phillipians "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." Yes. Yes. And just Yes. THIS is the kind of person, the kind of mom I want to be! Someone who is meditating- thinking all day- on the things that are the best and not the worst, beautiful, not ugly, praiseworthy things and not the junk that we are bombarded with day in and day out. 

Although the filth of our culture is still going to be there and the (sad) truth remains that I will still have to keep my head on a swivel at all times,  I am making a proclamation, if you will, that I am going to do my darndest to not let it affect me! I will choose over and over and over again throughout the day to think on things that are beautiful, true and compelling. Things that will make me a better mom and a better wife. And really, just a better me. 

  So, as you sift through the many, many, many thoughts that you have in one single day, who is with me to try and make the majority of those thoughts beautiful ones? Because, I mean... I don't really think thoughts about my daughters poop are all that beautiful.

But...then again, that's just me. :) 

xoxo

Justine

Credit: Danielle Burkleo