The long trip after a visit with family always starts strong. Windows down, music loud, giggling and the most delicious snacks. Inevitably there comes a point, around the 7-hours-with-three-kids-and-my-husband's-music mark,when my brain begins to physically bubble. Mercifully, as I near this moment of wit's end, I see a road sign to Interstate 79 which causes my energies and spirits to be renewed. I know then, I can make it. We're almost home.
I reached that same critical point in my summer today. Two weeks of unplanned, unstructured summer togetherness, following two months of frenzied running to soccer games, swim lessons, play practices, speech classes, and theater camps, has felt long and cramping to my soul. The spontaneous walks and adventures and playdates with neighbors and friends have been healthy and rejuvenating and an amazing use of time, but the path of chaos and clutter that follow my creative children throughout the house result in a tightening in my lungs and a clenching of my fists. Bubble brain. I could start to feel it simmer.
But then today, I saw that tried and true roadsign of summer. Today I announced the beginning of the "School Sleep Adjustment Process", because in one glorious week that shiny yellow beacon of hope would be making a stop just one block away. These weeklong drills of stuffing children into beds at more appropriate bedtimes, despite the daylight which still peers in through the blinds, and waking them to sweet shrill tweeting of alarm clocks at the dark hours of morning are designed (and mother approved) to ensure a smooth start to their blessed voyage into the sunset of another year of education. The cranky, sleep-deprived kids in a vegetative state on the couch at 3pm only confirm the need for this process, and a slightly (some might say) cruel smile curls on my lips as I think, this is the homestretch of summer. I can do it.
Press on my friend on whatever journey life takes you today.
One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what it ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
You crack me up! Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Is it a problem if I experience 'bubble brain' on a daily basis?!
Only if the bubble bursts my friend! You know those signs on the turnpike that say, 10 miles to the next rest stop? Those are the signs we moms need to build into our day so we know "we can make it!"
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