Celebrating Life -- A Busy Mom's Response to Entrusted's “Tips Day”

In our Entrusted group, we recently enjoyed the "Tips Day" video in which Betsy shares her creative “out-of-the-box” ideas such as how to turn an old muffin tin into a paint easel and sort laundry with color-coded hangers. But honestly, the very first time I heard “Tips Day” taught live by Betsy over 11 years ago, I was overwhelmed. The ideas all sounded so good, so practical, so fun, but I was exhausted with just trying to figure out how I could muster up the extra time and energy to actually implement these tips. I had a hard time just getting my three kids dressed, fed and off to school each morning with a half-decent lunch and their homework done!

However, fast-forward 11 years and now as an “older, wiser mom,” who has heard Betsy’s “Tips Day” well over six times, I have learned not to get overwhelmed, but to really enjoy the journey of what it means to “build unity and order” in my often busy and chaotic home with six active children now ages 4 to 17.

As I reflect on how Betsy’s annual “Tips Day” has influenced me as a wife and mom over this last decade, I wanted to share three main insights that “clunked me over the head” during our class last week. Sometimes God has to do that to us to get our attention, especially for those of us who may have a very driven personality and a tendency to be task / performance-oriented.

1. Be realistic!
I realized after hearing my first “Tips Day” that it took Betsy over 20 years of parenting her own three children to test, create and collect all of her many “tips” that she shares. It was so unrealistic for me to try to implement all or even many of her creative ideas overnight. I needed to accept the reality that I, too, like Betsy, will have many tips and ideas to share after 20 years of parenting…

Instead of being discouraged, each year God has been calling me to just think about, pray about and implement one or two new tips during each particular season of life. This simple idea has helped to inspire me to do what I can, and not focus on the many things I cannot do. Over the last 11 years, I am excited to share that there is so much more unity and order in our home because of this simple discipline and Betsy’s tips and ideas I have been able to put in place – like “school files” and “family Sundays.”

2. Be honest!
I also had to admit that some moms are more creative than others. On a scale of 1 to 10, measuring creativity versus practicality, I would have to rate Betsy as a 20+ in creativity and me a 20+ in practicality. In other words, we are at opposite ends of this spectrum! I realized that this was why I was so drawn to her organizational tips, and much less enthusiastic about her creative ones – which included any type of art or mess.

Over the years, God has really humbled and challenged me in this area to not always be so practical (and in control) but learn to expect the messes and mistakes my kids WILL make, and to be prepared to graciously and patiently help them clean up. I felt a huge sense of victory as I actually enjoyed making a clay diorama several years ago and digging for worms with my boys this past summer.

3. Celebrate life!
The most surprising insight I gained from “Tips Day” last week was the simple and powerful theme of “celebrating life.” I was convicted that I could get so focused on always wanting to do everything in the best or most efficient and practical way, thereby losing sight of the true purpose of these wonderful tips and ideas, which is to “build unity and order” so we can celebrate the loved ones in our lives. The false thinking that I can’t really have fun with my children, unless and until my house is in order has been a constant challenge for me. Instead, these creative tips help us to manage our homes and put ideas and systems in place so we can have the time and energy to truly enjoy our kids and just have fun!

The Lord is faithful to help us in our weaknesses. This year in 2012, I am excited to make each of our birthdays extra special! I even took our three little boys sledding yesterday for the first time this winter, complete with cupcakes and hot chocolate, even though my kitchen was quite a mess and there was lots of laundry to do! We had so much fun - our boys couldn’t stop hugging and kissing me all afternoon in pure gratitude.

Thanks, Betsy, for “Tips Day” and for teaching us how to celebrate life in the midst of challenges, chaos and endless chores!