A recent discussion over at 4 Real got me thinking. I sure hope nothing I write here ever makes anyone else feel bad or inadequate.
Let’s just be clear…for the record. I am not a supermom - baby, I am not even close!
A few years ago I heard Kimberly Hahn give a talk and she held up a camera and said that if you went through her house you would find dinners in the freezer, a clean kitchen, an organized school room, beds that were all made and laundry that was clean and put away. . .but not all on the same day or at the same time.
Hey, that’s me! (OK except maybe for the dinners in the freezer - you can stop laughing now honey.)
What I represent out here in the blog world is just a “snapshot” of our life and home. It’s a small representation of the bigger picture and of course I’m going to put my best foot forward at least most of the time. Trust me you don’t want to hear about my issues…heck I don’t even want to hear about them!
Personally I find it helpful to read some of those lovely blogs in my sidebar. They actually challenge me to do better in areas that need it. My primary vocation is wife and mother and maintaining a lovely home for my family is part of that. That is of course in so far as God has called me to - not everyone has the same resources or abilities and I am as limited in those areas as others might be.
BUT and this is an important point, I am a weak and sinful woman and I can run off in all kinds of directions with alarming regularity. I’d much rather do the things that interest me rather than what needs to be done…and sadly I sometimes do (all too often I’m sure - you can stop nodding your head now honey).
Still, those blogs and the loveliness those women there share DO help me because they remind where my focus should be.
Now don’t get me wrong, I can spend too much time there too and I can spin it to look useful all day long. . . but I know the truth and so does He.
So the next time you are tempted to feel like you don’t measure up - stop it! And if you’re local, stop by. . .just be sure to bring a cafe mocha with you (thanks Amy!) 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Tim Quigley 02.08.07 at 7:04 pm
That was very well written…now get back to work.
Heather - NY 02.08.07 at 7:38 pm
I love your honesty. And I love your husband’s comment.
Praise God our husbands and families love us even through we are not superwomen!!!
God is good!!!
Theresa ? 02.08.07 at 7:53 pm
Thanks for your honesty Michelle. I really like reading all the other blogs also. It challenges and encourages me to do a little more and we should never want to stay the same. We should be moving forward and striving towards higher things each day.
Thanks again,
Theresa
mrs darling 02.10.07 at 11:37 am
I m not Catholic but Im going to dare to comment anyway. I just wanted to tell you what a beautiful post this is. I too feel challenged by reading good homeschooling blogs. I’ve blogged for 3 1/2 years and it really does become apparent who is for real on their blog and who isnt. Blessings today.
Ellie 02.13.07 at 11:25 am
Amen to this thought. So limited we are as bloggers to represent the “real” us. Indeed, I for one am glad that we aren’t able to 100% accurately depict reality. The computer is just a 2nd dimension after all…. I offer peekholes into my life. But c’mon over and have some tea with Hot Wheels rolling under your feet and smudges on my window to offset the sparkling sun… then you can LIVE to real world with me.
Anyone who thinks blogs like yours indicate perfection are misguided. Keep on with your encouragement; it does much good to us who take it for what it is… and don’t covercoat our entire impression of your world by a few pictures and words on a screen.
leticia 02.19.07 at 12:31 pm
I just posted on this, because it really struck a chord with me, and you expressed my feelings quite well.Thanks for posting this.
Ruth 02.19.07 at 12:52 pm
This is a great post, Michele. I agree that it is just a snapshot. You don’t want to see these snapshots at 7:30 at night in my house. : )
Your husband’s comment is hysterical!