I’m hanging on by a freaking thread. 

Every day has a never-ending scroll of tasks that scream for attention.  I keep lying to myself that it won’t always be a warp-speed whirlwind.  Next week will be calmer . . . except it won’t be. 

I’m inches from the metaphorical cliff and I am unsure of the steps that pull me back.

Because the kids must be picked up from basketball practice. Dinner is a daily requirement. Sleep is necessary. Work is kind of a big deal. Time in prayer and Bible study is non-negotiable.

RELATED: Dear God, I’m Just So Tired

Somehow the wisdom of my kids to “just chill, Mom” seems to fall flat. I’m dropping most of the balls I keep trying to juggle. And the ray of sunshine I attempt to be on social media is not always reality.

My sanity is like a pie. When it’s intact, it’s magnificent. Take a kid to the doctor, a sliver of the pie is gone. Get groceries, a sliver of the pie is gone. Email the teacher, a sliver of the pie is gone. Before noon the domino effect has unfolded, and the pie is gone.    

I’ve got one hand on the fork and another hand on the keyboard, and it’s maddening. Taking a bubble bath or reading a book is just not going to cut it. Peace and simplicity, where art thou?

As I’ve painted myself into a corner, with a problem for every solution, I am at a loss. I’ve prioritized, outsourced, and taken the retreat. I exercise, eat right, get massages, and spend time with my family. And yet I spin, on the carousel of chaos.

And as I brace for the flood of trite suggestions like taking deep breaths, using essential oils, and drinking tea, I shake my head.

You know what I might need? 

I need to hear I’m not alone.

I need to know I am not the only one.

I need an “I get it.”

RELATED: To the Mother Who’s Lost Her Spark

As I write this in pajamas with my stomach growling at 12:35 p.m., I feel such urgency to give both you and me a charge: right this minute, go reach out to a friend and just encourage her. Tell her she’s doing a great job spinning all those plates and that you admire her.  Ask how you can pray for her. Perhaps what we so desperately need ourselves is what we are to lavishly give to others.

“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14)
“Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save…” (Isaiah 59:1a)