I am a Type A personality…waiting in long lines kill me because I always have something to do, somewhere to be, and I don’t like wasting time. Falling asleep is hard because I’m playing a never-ending list for the next day, week, or year through my mind. Though there are some negatives with being a Type A personality, there are also many positives. My favorite is productivity. If you need something done you can depend on me… I make things happen.

Yes, I made things happen….That was until I had kid after kid after kid after kid! Having kids is a wonderful thing. They need to be fed, changed, washed, and looked after 24/7. Your very organized to-do list become wipes for spills on your babies high chair. It’s not about helping others or even helping yourself, for that matter, but the focus is on these precious two eyed wild things looking up at you for everything.

If you don’t know me personally you might think I regret being a mom, but that couldn’t be more opposite. From when I was a toddler and my mom brought home my baby brother, I knew at that moment there was not a greater job or gift. The problem is I forget often what a blessing it truly is to have the name, “Mama”.

For example, three days ago, I noticed two Mommy friends sitting at a table cutting away at some invitations and making super cute centerpieces for a baby shower they are throwing. After talking with them a bit I walked away closing with these words, “well, at least y’all are able to be productive.” You see our daughters were all in ballet class together upstairs, so they had time to get things done because other kids are older and can take care of themselves. My boy on the other hand is a Tasmania on steroids, if he’s not watching “wv” (tv) that’s it, take your eyes off of him for a second and he’s gone. As soon as those words rolled off my tongue my heart dropped. An inner voice kept echoing them over and over, “at least you are able to be productive.” Really, like being a mom to a toddler isn’t productive, Bethany!? Spending time teaching, chasing, wrestling, tickling, and loving your son, isn’t productive?

Friends, our priorities and definitions get confused at times, but I’m here to tell you Type A Mama, you are being productive! If all you do is change diapers for the day, you are productive! If your kids are having an off day focusing on home school assignments, so you take them for ice cream, you are being productive. Type A Mama you have to look at things different than before kids. Use some Windex and look at your title again. Everyone says it, but it really is true, your kids will be grown and gone before you know it. You’ll have plenty of time for a personal list then. For now throw your own agenda out the door because the greatest check (off any list) you could ever give yourself is raising a child that has a heart after God, who is strong, smart, secure, independent, wise, and loving. Mama you are VERY PRODUCTIVE!