Revelation 12

I am, by no means, of any definition of the word, a Supermom. Yes, I work a full-time job, homeschool, volunteer with Scouts and help out in children's church. Many of my friends along the way ahve told me how awesome and amazing I am. Take a second glance, a closer look, and then tell me what you see.

- Dark circle under my eyes. I only average six hours of sleep a night - if that. I leave home early in the morning and get home late at night, then after throwing the kids in bed with quick kisses, I try to wade my way through the huge stack of papers to grade, scout camping trips to plan, files to organize, research to do, and books to read. Oh, and let's not forget trying to spend time with Hubby, too.

- The things I miss. Sir Smiley's first real steps, walking Fluffyhead Diva to school, Red's battle with incoming adolescence, and everything from Princess. I'm just not there. And not only things for my kids. In the last couple of months, I've missed two birthday parties, a baby shower, a child birth, a caving expedition, a wedding, three moving days, and countless field trips with our homeschool group. Even when I am at home, I'm doing one of the zillion things it's going to take to get caught up and back on schedule. (Schedule: that elusive creature that is supposed to allow me to do everything that must get done and still have time to play with my kids and cuddle with Hubby. *sigh*)

- The pending nervous breakdown. I know I have a lot of you fooled. I have a huge smile on my face and a great big loud lough. I'm constantly cutting up and wise-cracking my way through situations. Don't let me fool you. For years, I have struggled with severe emotional and psychological issues, none of which I'm ready to discuss today, as just admitting their existence is hard enough. Everything in my life exacerbate these issues and feelings. Or is it that my issues and feelings exacerbate everything in my life? Which came first - the chicken or the egg, right?

So ... all of this to say that I'm NOT a Supermom, and I think it is an imaginary standard we try to live up to. I often wonder if the women of the Bible went through any of these same emotions. I can only assume that they did, since they were just as human as we are. Reading through the Bible we come across story after story of heartache, infertility, cheating husbands, unruly children, feelings of inadequacy, and the constant struggle to keep a balance in life.

Just like us. Just like ME.

Out of all the women in the Bible, I have the most curiosity about Mary. Oh to be able to ask her what she FELT!! The range of emotions she must have experienced! When I read today's chapter, I broke out in goose bumps, realizing the vision John had was a recreation of the birth of our Savior. What a wonder to be a witness to that! Especially for John, whom Christ asked to care for his Mom. Mary .... dressed in sunlight, standing on the moon and crowned with Twelve Stars. I can't imagine a more breathtaking way to honor her.

Yet, a warning, too. Sin is always there, crouched and waiting to gobble us up. We must always be armed, on guard, and ready to battle to protect ourselves. For the Dragon has come prepared to wage war with those who keep God's commands.