Sometimes it feels like I'm living my own version of Alexander's Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. That day that everything goes wrong—you over-do it on the sleep and under-cook the food. Nothing you say is coming out right and nothing is turning the way you planned. Those are the days I just want to throw in the towel and stop trying all together just to see how long we could function if I stopped trying so hard.
I'm sure I'm not alone in pouncing on a friend or spouse the moment they walk in the door for affirmation that whatever I did that day was instantly notice and affirmed; particularly on the days when hours of work cleaning, errand running, or play childcare defense has gone full circle and ended up exactly where we started by dinner time. I've seen that confused look on my husband's face a few times when I demanded immediate gratification for the obvious work I had done that day even though I knew that despite a day's work, I was right back where I had started.
Today, give those around you a break—don't ask for that affirmation from your spouse or on social media. Do exactly what you want and need to get done; see to your needs and the needs of others around you just like you would any other day. But, just for today turn your thoughts inward. Search for that anchor of the soul in God, the One who sees all that you're doing and the love and intention in your heart as clear as day. Remember that He sees your hard work whether it's in the home or outside it, whether it's with the young, the old or those just like you. He has promised you the greatest affirmation you could possibly receive and He will not overlook your work. What you are doing is important, what you are doing matters, and what you are doing will be rewarded.
Seek affirmation in God.
Molly Walter is a wife, mother and homemaker (with a pesky job outside the home). She writes at Molly Makes Do about making the life she wants with the life she's been given. You can find out more about her here.