I’m Sorry I’m Late

“I’m so sorry I’m late.”

It’s one of those “if I had a dollar for every time I’ve said that” type of statement for moms of littles. 

I’m late. A lot. 

There’s a toddler who decided to poop just as we’re leaving the house and needs her diaper changed. 

There’s another kid who is taking his sweet time getting his clothes on or is upset because what he wants to wear is dirty.

The kids are fighting and I’m in the midst of a tantrum, full-fledged fit. 

The diaper bag is not packed and is completely empty of all necessities. 

The list goes on and on . . . 

But recently, as I was apologizing to someone for being late, I got this response:

“It’s totally okay. I remember what it was like at that age.”

Grace.

Another mama saw me in my flustered state and embarrassment and knew that as a mom of littles, you sometimes feel like a mess and like you can’t ever get it right. 

I received grace and an encouraging word from a mom who has been there. 

And that’s what all us moms need when we have those hard days and it seems like nothing is going right or in our favor. 

I’ll be late again (probably today even), but that’s the season I’m in. 

And one day, I can look at the mom of littles who’s running late and say:

“It’s okay, Mama. I remember what it was like. It’s hard but you’re doing great.”