Slow down!

Yesterday, I had a break in the afternoon and I actually watched 3 silly programs that I never get to watch. I don't think they're the "best" shows ever or extremely profound or anything, but they can be quite entertaining. However, I never watch them since my kids are always with me and I don't want them to watch anything but children's programs. Anyway, Deborah kept the kids for me yesterday afternoon and I did some cleaning and then some relaxing. I planned my relaxation time around 3 programs: Rachael Ray, Oprah and Ellen. I enjoyed and laughed at RR and Ellen, and wouldn't you know it, the one day that I catch Oprah, it was about moms who get overwhelmed by the day to day things in their lives and then an accident happens. Some of the accidents were tragic and some were "almosts" that could have been alot worse. Anyway, I cried through some of the interview with this sweet, good mom who had too many things going on, lost her focus and then accidentally left her 2 year old daughter in the car, parked at the school where she was Assistant Principal, for 8 hours. Of course, the precious little girl died and that poor mom has to live with that guilt and shame for the rest of her life. The interview was handled very well and was not judgmental or condemning towards this mom at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite...Oprah had lots of other moms who shared stories of having too many things going on and losing their focus and barely escaping a tragedy in their own lives. The summary was to slow down and live in the moment. The challenge was to let some things go and decide what you could and couldn't do and then ask for help when you needed it. I think all moms have this ingrained feeling and drive to be a "perfect mom" and then are hugely disappointed, embarrassed and ashamed when we don't measure up. Of course, there is NO perfect mom, but we feel that way just the same. And of course, the message didn't apply just to moms. The message to slow down and not let yourself get overwhelmed is for everyone. I just thought it was a great segment and an extremely important reminder for me. I sometimes get overwhelmed by the day to day things that are required of me. But, I just need to remember to slow down, remember what's important and mostly, not lose my focus. My main priority is to take care of my kid's needs but I also want to make sure I rely on God, ask for his help and trust him.