Get Real

Today I stumbled across a Christian adoptive mom named Angel who blogs, and she is challenging her readers and fellow bloggers to “get real.” To present the not-so-pretty sides to all aspects of our lives instead of trying to only show off the good bits and pieces to the world. To allow making a “get real” list to encourage others who might struggle with similar issues and also to prompt us confront these issues head on. I spent literally hours throughout the day and night reading through the different blogs of those who had participated. It was a bit liberating to know that I’m not the only imperfect mother and wife. I’ve been debating about whether or not I could actually publish a “get real” list and finally decided to just do it. Obviously, some of this list is just information about me that you may or more likely may not know. Some of these are things I really need to work on. Hopefully you’ll still want to stop by to see pictures of Camden and Rory after reading this!

1. I spend way too much time on the computer. No surprises there.

2. My house does not stay as clean as it should. I really want it to be in order, but I don’t put forth enough effort. You’d die if you saw the clutter in my bedroom. I don’t fold the laundry as soon as it goes through the dryer (although I am much better about this than I used to be). I only dust once a month.

3. I’m seriously insecure about everything. My parenting skills, my weight, my looks, my house. everything. I always have been, but I don’t think I realized quite how much until I quit my job and became a SAHM. At least at work, I knew I was doing a good job because there was constant proof around me.

4. I’m a better mom to Rory than I am to Camden. I don’t have nearly the patience with him that I do with her. I keep telling myself it’s their ages (she’s still little and smooshy and he’s almost 5 and has an attitude). I hope that’s all it is, but honestly, Camden and I clash a bit. Okay, a lot.

5. You know the Proverbs 31 woman? I want to be her, but I'm pretty sure I don't have it in me. I’ve struggled with this my whole adult life. There’s always excuses – working full-time, being a SAHM – but really, it’s just about making myself put forth the effort.

6. Parenting is hard. Adoptive parenting is even harder. It makes you question everything about yourself and this child you’ve brought into your home. I feel as if I have to earn my children’s love – that I don’t have it automatically because they weren’t born to me. Adoption is still the best thing that could have happened to me.

7. I’m extremely competitive. I want to win all the time. I don’t let Camden win at Uno or Candyland or Chinese Checkers.

8. Speaking of competitive, Michael Jordan is still my favorite athlete. (does that show my age?)

9. I still give a small sigh of disappointment every month when I realize I am not pregnant, even though there’s absolutely no reason to believe I would be.

10. Brian is a much better husband to me than I am a wife to him. He's patient, kind, and thoughtful - all the things that I am not.

11. I'm a serious reality TV fan, although I do draw the line at shows like The Bachelor and Farmer Wants a Wife!

12. Have I mentioned I’m a perfectionist?

I looked up some verses on confession and why it might be good to have a “get real” list. Here’s what I found.

Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

I John 1:0
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16
Herefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

So, that’s my “get real” list, and I’m going to use it as a reminder of things I need to be working to improve in my life. Any one else want to make a list and then share it?