My thoughts aren’t always pretty. At times, I am made to feel badly about that. By myself. By others. But every time that happens, I feel the need to stand up – for myself, for everyone else who has ever had an ugly thought. A real, dark, nasty thought.
So this morning, you get my ugly. Because if any of you have taught me anything, it is that you appreciate my transparency.
Here’s some pretty first: I appreciate all of the encouragements. All of the attempts people make to reach out in love, to support. And most of the time, I am in a place where I can take them in with grace.
Not today. Today, I am angry. Today, I am upset. Today, I don’t want to be an inspiration or a mother you look up to. I don’t want to.
You know what I want?
I want to be just another mom. I want to have a normal life. I want to run around and play tag at the park with my 2 1/2 year old son. I want to ask him what he wants to eat for lunch. I want him to throw temper tantrums.
I want to be just like you. I don’t want to be someone you admire.
The truth is: This all SUCKS. And right now, I just need permission – I am taking permission even if no one wants to give it to me – for it to suck. I get to be angry. I get to be upset. I get to not always have to be gracious and positive and make everyone else feel better about my reality.
Don’t let this deter you from reaching out. I need every word. In an hour – a day – a week – I don’t know when, I will go back and reread the encouragements, and they will sink in. They will get to my heart the way they were intended, and I will love you all for your words.
But today, I am just in the darkness. Sometimes I have to sit here a minute.