Silence and Cucumbers

We had a crazy weekend. It was fun, but it was crazy.

So, this morning when the alarm clock went off, it was difficult to get us all moving again.

I did it nonetheless.

It was the morning routine of the American mother.

The urging, the cheerleading, the steering, the feeding, the combing, the peace keeping, the shoe-tying, the lunch-packing, the driving, the kiss-goodbye-ing. The return home to dish-washing, laundry, toddler games, and bed-making. Thinking about supper when it's only 10:00 in the morning.

It wears on a person sometimes.

There are times when I feel the heavy weight of responsibility bearing down on me, when the knowledge that my husband and children's health, cleanliness, and emotional well-being are in my hands seems like a burden. There are times when keeping family peace and making sure every other human being within our personal radius is appropriately cared-for feels like work.

These are the times when my energy-gauge reads "Empty".

These are the times when I know it's time to do something different with my day. To change up the routine and let the saddle sores of personal servitude have some time to heal.

It's when I take time for silence.

So, if you happen to come by the house today, you should know that I won't be answering the door. I've turned off the radio. I've turned off the phone.

There are cucumbers on my eyes.

And I'm enjoying a little silence for a change.

It's the one way I know to help let the gratitude back in and feel the joy of mothering again.

Who knew silence and cucumbers were such a wonderful combination?

For me, they're like magic.

- Midwest Mom