Lesson from St. Louis

I recently did something that most young moms only dream about...I went on a trip ALL BY MYSELF! Yes, I know that this is shocking, unbelievable, and certainly a bit on the scandalous side. Please don't hate me or report me to the authorities. After all, I think it is against the law in the continental United States for mothers of little children to go anywhere on their own.

Truly, truly! The little people living in my house are on the police force payroll. Last I heard, they get big bonuses for following me EVERYWHERE. Bathroom surveillance is their specialty! I'm not sure how I managed to escape without being detected, but somehow I found myself headed to the airport sans mini-guard.

You can believe that I took my freedom seriously! I ate when I was hungry. I slept when I was tired. I woke up when my eyes popped open all on their own. I bought a Good Housekeeping magazine and read it from cover to cover WITHOUT interruption. I consumed an entire muffin without sharing a single, solitary bite. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I went potty ALONE! It was glorious, liberating, invigorating, and...

Boring. Lonely. Tiring.

Yes, I actually got tired of being by myself! There was something incredibly draining and depressing about only looking out for Numero Uno. The silence was deafening. I offered the lady at the Quizno's kiosk five dollars if she would just beg me for a snack, a piece of gum, a drink, a toy, ANYTHING! But she just looked at me like I was out of my mind.

There was a little girl who looked like she'd be willing to stand outside the restroom door. knocking, and calling out, "Mommy, can I come in?" Unfortunately, her mother didn't look quite as accommodating, so I held my tongue. As I watched countless babies and toddlers strolling past in their Gracos, Maclarens, and Peg Peregos, it took every last ounce of self restraint to keep from committing a Random Walk-By Kissing (which, in case you are wondering, is also against the law).

It was an important, life-changing lesson, one I will not soon forget. I have said to my husband on more than one occasion, "I'm just not cut out for this motherhood stuff! I'm not organized enough. I'm not patient enough. I'm not Betty-Crockerish enough. By golly, I can't even sew! What was I thinking when I signed up for this?!!!"

Sometimes I've truly thought that this crazy Mom Life is something I mistakenly chose for myself. God had to take me all the way to St. Louis, Missouri, to reveal that it was not my choice at all but rather His Perfect gift to me. I am learning to receive it with JOY! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading to the restroom with my entourage...