By Glenn A. Hascall
A woman admits to being unable to cope with life as a Super Mom and in the
process
discovers what she must do to be an effective mom. Going it alone is no longer
an option.
Three women. Cathy, Colleen and Barb (The lines of Colleen and Barb can be removed to make this a monologue)
(Setting: A support group)
CATHY: My name is Cathy and I have a confession to make, I'm a recovering Super Mom.
It all started a few years ago when my first child, Sara, was born. My
husband told me
things would change and that I might not be able to get as much done as
I used to.
Well, that was enough for me. I determined that this mom would show everyone
just how
much I could do.
I admit, midnight feeding and round the clock diaper changing marathons
kept me going, but
I refused to crack.
COLEEN: I've been there too.
(General agreement in group)
CATHY: That's when I started letting go of some things that I thought no
one would notice.
I was too tired to get up and read my Bible, and then my life was such
a blur of activity I
found it hard to get my mind focused enough to pray. But I persevered and
continued to try
and prove to everyone that I could handle it.
BARB: But you couldn't do it.
CATHY: (Shakes her head no) My husband noticed subtle changes. I was more
irritable. I
blamed it on a child with colic. Then I started getting impatient with
Sara. I blamed it on an
attitude problem - hers, not mine. Then I started blaming my husband for
wanting children in
the first place. He didn't have any idea what it was like to be me. So
much to do - so little
time. That's when he reminded me that I had told him that I could handle
this by myself - all
of it.
COLEEN: The old "I told you so speech, huh"
CATHY: Had I actually said that? What possibly made me think I could do it all? Alone!
You know I remember hearing my grandfather talk about taking baths on Saturday's
when
he was a child. The entire family would take a bath once a week - using
the same bath
water.
I often wondered if my grandfather ever felt as if he needed a bath more
than once a week.
I know it sounds rude, but I wonder if he ever smelled like Saturday morning
on Wednesday
afternoon.
(Women look at Cathy not sure where she's going with this)
I know, you're wondering what an old fashion bath tradition has to do with me, right?
BARB: Well, it had crossed my mind.
CATHY: The truth is my spiritual life smelled less like roses and more like stinkweed.
So, I finally made a decision to get back to taking regular spiritual baths.
Reading God's
Word, praying and spending time with other Christian moms.
COLEEN: Like us.
CATHY: (Points to the women) Like you. And it's made a world of difference.
I'm not as
irritable, I'm more patient. And I have a much better attitude.
I'm learning that God doesn't want for us to go it alone as mom's and He
certainly doesn't
want us to try to be Super Mom's because by trying to be that kind of mom,
we are saying
we don't need help. God's or anyone else's for that matter.
BARB: That's something else we've all done.
COLEEN: I know I have.
CATHY: Don't get me wrong - I'm still a very busy mom. I still change diapers,
I still cook
meals. It's just that now I know that there has to be a pretty liberal mommy
maintenance
program for me - my family is better for it and so am I.
The Busyness Thing
(To the tune - My Favorite Things)
By Glenn A. Hascall
Noses and diapers
And things that need wiping
PTA letters
And notes that need typing
Dishes are calling
And so are my friends
I move through the house like a hurricane wind
Sure there was Mary
But what about Martha
Scurry and hurry
Round her home and hearth, "Uh
Jesus tell Mary
To start helping out"
The Master's reply left little to doubt
Slow down and sit down
And stop all your rushing
Mary is quiet
Her spirit is hushing
Martha, dear Martha
You want what is best
Oh, come to the quiet and in My love rest.
Oh, so busy
In a tizzy
What am I to do?
Remember the story of Martha and Mare.
Then change your outlook too.
...............................................
Copyright Glenn A.Hascall, all rights reserved. This script may be used free of charge, provided no charge is made for entry. In return, the author would appreciate being notified of any performance. He may be contacted at glenn.hascall<a>gmail.com