“You’ve got your hands quite full, don’t you?”
Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of how many times this phrase has crossed my ears. Whether I’m at the grocery store, in a department store, at the playground, during school drop-offs and pickups, or even at a local restaurant, if I’m out with my three or four little ones, someone inevitably feels the need to comment.
At times, this may come off as a friendly conversation starter, while other instances feel more like a judgmental jab at my chaotic existence as I attempt to navigate public spaces with what some might call “demon spawn.” In my typical non-confrontational and introverted fashion, I usually respond with a shy smile and an eye roll that seems to say, “Yes, my hands are indeed full. Feel pity for me.”
Yet, beneath the surface, my mind races with thoughts and my heart swells with pride. The truth is, I cherish the fullness of my hands, and here’s why:
- My arms cradle sweet children who crave hugs, comfort, and love.
- My lap is occupied by toddlers eager for stories and entertainment.
- My mind is brimming with plans for birthday celebrations, family outings, and holiday traditions to share with my kids.
- My heart fills with joy as I witness their smiles and small acts of kindness.
- My calendar is packed with events, games, and gatherings.
- My body is nourishing little ones with milk.
- My fridge is stocked with food.
- My home is filled with cribs, bunk beds, and shelves brimming with books.
- My closets overflow with toys, clothes, and shoes.
- My attic houses baby essentials waiting to be passed down, alongside treasured pieces of kiddie art (each a masterpiece in its own right).
- Even the corners of my home are filled with love.
And you know what else is overflowing? My heart, filled to the brim with love.
Are my arms weary? Absolutely. Is my lap a battleground for attention? Definitely. Do my thoughts race with worry and fear? Without a doubt. Are there days so busy that we can barely keep up, making weekends feel like a whirlwind? Quite often. Am I exhausted by 3 p.m. every day? You bet.
With such an abundance, it begs the question: how can my heart keep pace and how do my hands avoid dropping everything? I believe that the heart expands to accommodate the overflow. It supports the hands, embracing both the chaos and the joy in a unique way. A mother’s heart has the remarkable ability to absorb the ups and downs, digesting life’s experiences and softening the blows. It is both resilient and sensitive, as it needs to be.
So the next time you encounter a mom juggling four (or more) children during a Target run or struggling to serve lukewarm pancakes at brunch, don’t pity her and certainly don’t judge her. She has chosen to fill her life with these little beings, and her love for them is immeasurable. While she may relish the occasional glass of red wine after a long day, what might seem like a struggle to you is simply her everyday reality. She is living life to the fullest, cherishing those around her, and embracing the beautiful chaos.
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In summary, while my hands may be full, my heart is even fuller, reminding me that love is the greatest treasure of all.