Is it just because I’m getting older, or is the world growing more complex and absolutely crazy? Clearly we have had a couple of crazy years in our nation, our world, and in our homes. Many of us have welcomed more babes home than we planned for, have changed careers mid-pandemic, or shifted into full time home-making/home-working/home-schooling. Through almost all of this we have had seemingly little control. Yet somehow, we still stand and continue to plug away, making sure all little people at our feet are towing the line behind us with ease. MOMs are resilient. If there is a will, we can get it done. We find a way to make it work, to shift on a dime, pick up the groceries and correct the spelling and warm the bottle... all before 9:00.
I count it a win to make it out the door in time, with clean clothing on the children and something in their stomach. Oh yeah, and hopefully a hug.
It makes me wonder, is there more to life than just making it through? At one point or another we have all been overwhelmed at the tasks and weight of managing life. How do we live Extraordinary when we are barely living day to day? Truth is we do not have to barely live. We can thrive and our families can thrive and excel no matter what is going on around us. 2020 and 2021 have shown us that nothing in the world can truly be counted on. Amid the chaos that was the last 14 months, there are a few things that stand out as the priority to living an extraordinary life. Faith, Family, and Friendship. We are wired for these connections. As mothers, we need these connections to the people and beliefs we love the most to thrive. These, I believe, are the keys to thriving daily. They are the keys to living extraordinary lives.
● Friendship. I had the opportunity to see a friend from Oregon who comes to Texas only every once in a while. We have been in each other’s lives since 2002, walked through some pressing times, and some joyous ones too! To me, living an extraordinary life is taking moments in time, like dinner with Amy, that are priceless, and celebrating them. Do this in your life. Celebrate the small and big moments with friends. However you like to honor those memories and moments... do it!
“ Sweet friendship refreshes the soul and awakens our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.” Proverbs 27:9
● Family. So... this one is tricky. Many of us have great extended families who support and encourage us every step of the way with our growing families and endeavors. Others of us are not as blessed and navigate much of life as a single-family unit. Whatever the case for you, endeavor to make family a big priority for your little ones. My one tip: do not complicate it. Just be present with them. Talk to them. Impart your heart and wisdom to them with tangible and intangible actions. We do not need Pinterest-worthy parties to do so (although I have thrown them and enjoy), but they do need to know that no matter the flavor of crazy the world is offering at the moment, your family is the most secure and steady relationships in their life. I know writing this that you all rock this, you’re literally the best mothers I have ever met! Take into consideration what it may look like for you in the years ahead. I never imagined an hour long nerf war in an empty house when I was changing diapers!
● Faith. One thing I love about our FWMoMs is our diversity. This includes religious beliefs. It is no secret that I am a Christian and that my faith in Jesus is the foundation for my life. If that is the same for you, then I implore to live in a way that is authentic and true to what you profess. Build yourself up in the Word and always put your relationship with God in first place above all other priorities. If you are in another belief system, (my apologies for not knowing all the practices of all religions represented in our group) then I admonish you to do the same. The world is wild and our belief systems will guide, secure, and keep us. Holding firmly is the key to an extraordinary life. When we let go, we are easily tossed by the chaos that surrounds us.
“He is like a man who chooses the right place to build a house and then lays a deep and secure foundation. When the storms come and the floods rage against
that house, it continues to stand strong and unshaken through the tempest, for
it has been wisely built on the right foundation.” Luke 6:48
If you have a community where you worship with others, lean into those connections. Right now, more than ever before, it is essential to have this area solid in your life. The last year has proven how much this is true, and how much we need a community of like-minded individuals surrounding us, becoming an extended family of faith. I share a photo of mine here.
Friends. Family. Faith. The one thread that runs through all three is connection. Foster and cultivate the relationships around you. Isn’t that what this group is all about?!
Simple. Yet extraordinarily powerful priorities for our extraordinary lives.
Much love,
Tonya
