As someone who thrives on thinking and planning, it feels counterintuitive to lack motivation for evening preparations that could make the next day smoother. After a lengthy day, I often find myself longing to switch to autopilot, relax, and allow my mind to unwind. While I value my downtime, it’s inevitable that a cascade of thoughts rushes in as soon as I settle into bed.
What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?
- What time should I set my alarm to sneak in a few extra snoozes?
- Oh no, I forgot to remind him about that last homework sheet. Maybe he can squeeze it in before the bus arrives (I chuckle at the idea of morning homework).
- Do we need to return any library books? Are there any repairs we should tackle?
- What ingredients do I have to prepare for their lunches?
- It’s spirit color day at school. I think his school shirt is crumpled somewhere in the laundry basket. I’ll pop it in the dryer on permanent press when I get up.
- We have an event in two nights, and I still don’t have childcare lined up. How essential is it on a scale from 1 to 10?
- I need to bring a dish to that gathering this weekend. Do I have enough in the fridge, or will I need to venture to the store?
- I stayed up too late again. I hope the little one doesn’t come in here to snuggle at 4 a.m. I could use some uninterrupted sleep.
- I wonder if that person will ever respond to my email.
- How much should we contribute to the PTO? I appreciate that the school offers this option instead of traditional fundraisers.
- The living room looks like a tornado hit it.
- I hope I’m not too late to reserve that place for his birthday party. He’s been looking forward to it.
- Oh no, he’s going to remember his 8th birthday as a massive letdown.
- The boys were so sweet together tonight. They looked adorable sprawled across the floor with toys and empty snack bowls surrounding them.
- Did I ever return that soup bowl to the lovely lady at church? What happened to that bowl? I hope I didn’t lose it. She was so generous with her kindness.
- The apples in the fridge are getting soft. Should I whip up an apple crisp?
- I need to do something nice for someone tomorrow. I have a little box in the laundry room. Perhaps I can turn it into a care package.
- Did I remember to cancel that Amazon subscription for dishwasher tabs? We have way too many now. I made that mistake with diapers once too!
- We should run over the Diaper Genie with the truck to celebrate our potty training success. I can’t stand that thing. The foot pedal is jammed again. The truck would crush it.
- We ought to clear out that pedal car in the garage—the kids never use it. What else can I declutter?
- I hope my family back in Kansas is doing well tonight, and I’m thinking of our sponsor child, Amir. I hope he has everything he needs and is going to bed content. Is he cozy in his bed?
- Thank you, Lord, for our many blessings and this wonderfully chaotic life. Please keep our family in Oklahoma safe from the storms heading their way. And can you also…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
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In summary, the thoughts that swirl in a mom’s mind at bedtime often encompass everything from the mundane to the meaningful. From planning the next day’s meals to reflecting on family connections, these moments are a testament to the whirlwind of parenting life.