Gosh, I love the Summer Games! The excitement, the victory, and the camaraderie of nations has me counting down the days for months. Even more than the enjoyment of watching the overwhelming favorite receive their medal(s), I sincerely appreciate the back stories of the athletes. Watching stories of true human victory unfold after overcoming countless struggles tugs at my heart strings. In recent days, I’ve watched more hours of media coverage from Brazil than I care to admit and I’ve noted many similarities between the stories of athletes and motherhood. Much like the games, motherhood is a test of endurance, patience and on many occasions athletic ability. In both cases you can never predict the outcome, and both athletes and mothers mustn’t discount the underdog (your kids). So if you feel defeated as a mother, here are some of the tasks that I consider just about as difficult as competing in an event at the summer games:
Taking a toddler to church
It’s a pretty good thing the Lord is forgiving because attending a church service with a toddler is a true test of patience and physical ability. Upon exiting church with my toddler, I feel like I’ve just competed in and placed dead last in the finals of wrestling.
Nursing a baby over six months of age
As your sweet, still infant begins to sit and move, you’ve got your own personal gymnastics routine right there in your lap, and you’re the vault.
Unboxing, assembling and putting batteries in toys
Much like archery, getting a toy out of packages is a nearly impossible task requiring exact precision and skill. Christmas toys – you’ll be done by new year if you’re well trained.
Grocery shopping with multiple young children
Winning an decathlon is easier than making it through the grocery store with no tears, all packages unopened and no shelves knocked over with a giant two-seater buggy.
Installing crib bumpers
Whether they are mesh or those precious fluffy bumpers, either type is a real pain to put in a crib appropriately. The reaching, stretching, and bending require to get all the pieces into place and fastened is about as difficult as getting a perfect score in diving.
Washing, drying, folding and picking up ALL the laundry
Yeah, it will NEVER happen. But, if you do ever accomplish such a feat before you family manages to dirty another article of clothing, you have conditioned yourself for the ultimate test … a marathon at the games.
