A dear friend sent this email to me years ago when my kids were very little. I read it a few times a year and thought you might find some encouragement in her words.

“I just stepped outside to take care of something and laughed to myself that I haven’t even put on shoes yet today. No need! It struck me as a definite sign of the good life, not to have to wear shoes. (Not to mention nylons, heels, makeup, etc.) The “professional” clothes I used to wear to work may have garnered more respect from my peers than my bare feet would today, but I say it’s a fair trade.

I starting thinking about what a nice gig this is (most days) to be able to stay at home with Todd. I feel a little bad for Matt (husband) today! There’s no doubt I have many more opportunities to laugh in my day than he does. Some days I recognize those moments more than others, but they’re always there. I should remind myself of that more often on those going-to-hell-in-a-handbasket days!

It goes without saying that we get the special job perks like seeing the absurd, funny little things our kids do in random moments, the “firsts” that occur in rapid fire (especially during the first year), and those great groggy moments when they almost fall asleep in their highchairs or wake up from their naps.

But it’s also hard to complain about a morning spent by an inflatable pool followed by an afternoon spent at Chuck E. Cheese in an effort to find air conditioned entertainment. I know that’s a better way to spend a day than how Matt spends his, and I’m guessing you’d say the same about your husband’s jobs. Fortunately most of our husbands love their jobs…but I know Matt is jealous of mine on many days, even though he loves what he does. Sometimes I wonder if he’d flat out switch places with me if he really know how good I have it. (All this coming from someone who wasn’t convinced at all that she could stand full-time motherhood!)

Granted, there are days I’d trade places with him in a heartbeat, too. Heck, there are days I’d jump at the chance to man the Sunglass Hut Booth at the mall, but those are certainly the minority. As someone said at a get-together a few weeks ago, the good times are great and the bad times won’t last long.”

I’m in a thankful mood and thought I’d share the encouragement while it lasts. I’ll find myself in a black-hole day again before long, and I’m sure you’ll be in a thankful mood that day and lift my spirits.”

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