Every coach's wife who has faced the witching hour alone knows what I'm talking about. Whether you have one kid or multiple kids, you know exactly what I am referencing. What is this topic you might ask? Dun, dun, dun…. Bedtime!
As a coach's wife, bedtime during football season can seem daunting, at least for me. We have three kids, a four-year-old, a three-year-old, and a one-year-old. This makes bedtime an interesting task during football season. But, you know which conclusion at which I have arrived?
You are not alone.
You are never alone, for your Heavenly Father is right there with you cheering you onward. God is there with you in the rough times, the tantrums, the I don't want to's, and while you're changing diapers. He's with you when you're doing the dishes, and facing the laundry piles that never seem to end, and bribing kids with candy because you are too exhausted to ask sternly one more time.
God is with you when you're comforting your kids because they miss daddy, when you're lying awake at night and wondering whether or not you are doing a good job, and when you are answering a million questions your kids ask you daily.
He's with you when you question if you have any brain cells left to process another question, and you're cleaning up the endless messes, when you get up extra early to have time by yourself, and when your one-year-old splashes in an open toilet.
I know I'm not the only one, ladies.
However, He is there in the good times as well. Jesus hears every small prayer and the whopper prayers. And let's be honest, I have probably talked God's ear off so many nights especially, during bedtime. There have been so many prayers that consist of me pleading with the Lord that my kids magically fall asleep early tonight. Philippians 4:7 says,
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
So on those days that you feel weary, remember, you will miss this season. You will miss football season, but you will also miss the endless cuddles, the taking kids to games, and the extra time spent with your kids. And goodness, have mercy on yourself.
No one has it together, especially, during football season. Most wives have, at some point during the season, slapped a baseball cap on, forgotten an item or two, and had those extra cups of caffeine to get through the day. But, it is worth it. It is worth it because you are making a difference. Although it seems as if everyone has forgotten about the coach's wife, they haven't.
You are seen.
You are heard.
You are beautiful even when you feel like a mess.
I have learned beauty is in the messiness. It's in the messy areas that I have discovered how strong the Lord has made me and all of us. We were made for a purpose, for this purpose and such a time as this. And, I honestly think that the Lord took some extra time and care when He made coaches' wives.
So, sister, when you're feeling down, grab your Bible, your favorite dessert, and those fuzzy socks your husband gives you a hard time for wearing, and breathe. God has you in the palm of His hand and He's got you. Slap on some mascara, your favorite FNW hat, and conquer bedtime!
I'll be cheering you on, very quietly, so I don't wake my kids.