When I pictured myself all grown up, I imagined a beautiful wife (somehow age would completely transform my looks) who was loving and kind. My husband and I would have passionate sex all the time, the excuse of tiredness never creeping in our bed, and when we had a disagreement, we would fight fair.
I saw a mother who laughed and played and performed puppet shows and dress-up frequently. My children displayed evidence of their mother’s discipline, all having exceptional manners and self-control. And when they went astray, my temper did not, and I never yelled or spanked out of anger.
And one day I woke up in real life.
I woke up without makeup many days. Sometimes sleep really did sound better than sex. I didn’t always fight fair and carried more grudges than grace. I yelled at my children, my children who were far crazier than the children in my vision, and I found that I carried many of those traits that in others I hate.
Luckily, God never had to wake up. He knows what real life looks like and was prepared a little better than I.
Linking up with the Gypsy Mama for her 5 Minute Friday. What surprised you most about your real life?
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
I don't think I would like you if you were like the dream you. We would have nothing in common!
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Oh, but I would be so sweet–you couldn't help but like me! 😉
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Very well said and honestly, I could have wrote this myself. Reality indeed. But….that really is how things are, and sometimes that is ok. I think we all need to slow down a bit, but figuring out how to do that is a real challenge. I am visiting from The gypsymama, and it is good to know I am not alone with these same thoughts. Have a blessed weekend!
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I, agree. We need to slow down and realize we can't do it all and focus on those things which really matter. I actually wrote this post from a place of contentment and peace. When I saw the prompt that morning and the idea popped into my mind, I really felt like God was saying that He knew I couldn't do it all–yet He still calls me 'daughter.'
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So funny and so true!
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From what I know of you, Jennifer, you're closer to your picture than most anyone I know! I do know what you mean, though.
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Thanks, Jason. You interacted with me more when I was pre-kids, though. I've lost quite a few braincells since all three of them came along. 😉
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it all looks so easy when it's imaginary! Real life is way harder and messier than I ever expected.
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So identified with this! 🙂
Blessings
Andrea
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I'm glad I'm not the only one who woke up as a different woman than the one in my vision! 🙂
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I had the same thoughts before "real life" hit. Such truth you shared today.
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Well…this is just perfect, that's all. I, on the other hand, went the route of fiction when given the prompt, 'in real life…' Sigh. Sometimes I really like that dream world.
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Me, too. My hair always looks really nice in my dream world. 🙂
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