Things that happen...

*Image from: Nickmom.com

By: Kristi Hartman

The last couple of weeks I have been struggling with making enough time to get some real, focused, quality writing time in.  It seemed like every time I sat down to tackle a page or two, something was beckoning for my attention elsewhere.  The toddler was crying, the clean clothes had been nicely smashed into the laundry basket for 3 or more days, the clothes in the washer had already been re-washed two times already, and the toddler was going through a growth spurt, which meant constant snacking and the inevitable diaper changes.  Growing more and more stressed by my situation, I turned to the scriptures.  I was feeling overwhelmed by my daily responsibilities and the desire to accomplish the goal I so want to achieve.  

Writing and publishing a novel has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, yet sometimes there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.  How can I be a Mom of 3 young kids, and still have the time (and let's face it, energy) to fulfill my personal goals?

As I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants, a particular scripture caught my eye.  It reads:

"Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart." 

                                                 D&C 6:16

I also read:

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward."

                                                 D&C 6:33

The Lord knows what our situations are, day in and day out.  He knows better than anyone else.  He knows when we barely get to sit down some days, yet still feel like we haven't accomplished enough. I felt so much peace after reading in this section of D&C, and felt like the Lord knows what I want to do, and is truly aware of me.  He knows of my struggles and my goals, my strengths and weaknesses, and like it says above, my thoughts and intents of my heart.

So. Let's not give up!  Even when we do finally get to sit down for a second, after a long busy day with the kids, only to remember we are boiling some pasta for dinner and the pot has boiled over yet again, and we have to dash to the kitchen and rescue the pot and stovetop from the boiling, watery mess.  We can't give up.  :)

What do you do to stay focused and positive?

*Nick Mom is a really funny website I suggest you visit if you ever need a laugh about our lives as Moms for a moment.  Really witty!