On Children and Mommas.

To the momma in the waiting room,

I want you to know that I noticed you. Not because your child was screaming. Not because you happened to be in the waiting room of a psychologist's office. I noticed you long before your child began to act out.

I heard you from my office, reading to him with inflection and excitement in your voice. I heard you encouraging him as he made his way to the bathroom. I heard you speaking with the doctor, tenderly, about your older child. I heard you long before I heard your son.

And when I did hear him, I heard you speaking tenderly to him. I heard you assuring him you would be back and he could play some more another day. I heard you encourage your other children to stay calm and quiet as you were walking out, trying to restrain your youngest.

And as I watched from my office window, you, barely being able to hang on to your flailing child and making it to your van as quickly as possible- my heart broke for you. Because I realized that you are probably barely hanging on to life yourself, and moments such as these probably make you doubt every thing you ever thought about yourself as a mom. So here is what I want you to hear today:

1. Not only did I hear you, God hears you.
Yes, it's true. 

2. You are a good mom.

3. You can do hard things.

Be strong, momma. You are seen. You are loved. You can do hard things.