Being Real

I attend MOPS. It is a group of ladies that are all going through the same thing. We all are mothers of preschoolers. On the Thursdays that I have MOPS I get up early and fix my hair and put on makeup and make sure that my outfit is cute. I am sure that the rest of the mommies are doing the same thing. The funny thing is that on the rest of the days of the week, I am putting my hair up, wearing sweats and my goal for the day is to get a shower. So when I arrive at MOPS all looking mommy chic, do the other moms see the real me? Do they see the mom that needs an extra set of hands? The mom that can barely find the time to shower let alone put on makeup? The mom that really needs someone to listen as I voice the fears of raising 3 boys and wanting them to grow up but not grow up too soon. Do they see the mom that really needs a friend to come along side me and say "You are doing a good job. Keep it up." What they see is a lady that looks good on the outside. She looks the part of a supermom. I have to let them into the crazy that I sometimes am. I have to reveal that I don't have it all together and that I sometimes feel like cashing in my mom badge. I have to take off my supermom mask and show them my real self. If I don't show them, will they ever show me their hurts and struggles? And if we don't, can we gain anything from knowing each other?

Maybe you don't attend MOPS, but perhaps at church or work or with your family you have a mask that you wear, I challenge us all to take one step and let our masks fall. To be real with each other. For only when we are real and honest, can we really gain from our relationships with each other.

P.S.- And when someone takes a chance and is real, put down your cell phone, stop what you are doing and look them in the eye and listen to their words and also their heart. For they are giving you the chance to meet the real them. And you may only get this one chance.