This morning, I woke up to the Focus on the Family broadcast and caught most of Dr. Dobson’s interview with author, Julie Barnhill. A mom of three, her topic was motherhood guilt — and why we shouldn’t let it steal our joy.

Today’s interview was part one of three — so if you missed it, you can listen to it here — and tune in for parts two and three tomorrow and the next day.

Perfect timing for me — as I’m struggling with the GUILT of signing up my youngest kids for preschool. Why should I let this bother me? I have this little voice in my head that tells me I’m a failure because I’m not 100% overjoyed to spend 100% of my waking hours with my children. I love them so much, and I LOVE being a mom, but I feel refreshed when I get a little break every day.

This morning, we had our preschool sign-ups, and I straggled my way in at 8:15, sick to my stomach that we hadn’t gotten there earlier. I overheard some moms saying people were lined up at 5 am. I did the best I could getting the three older ones off to school — then getting the last two up and dressed and out the door by 8 am.

It was so much fun seeing everyone — like a reunion for us battle-weary moms of preschoolers. My comrades. It took about an hour of waiting — but the time flew. We discussed toilet training, sibling rivalry, mealtime woes, toddler antics, and working out at the gym (where I should BE right now, with swimsuit season just around the corner).

My little social butterfly (almost) two-year old sang her repertoire of songs for the entire room, flitted from person to person, played ball, spun on the sit and spin — and spilled a whole box of breath mints.

Finally! They called my name, and I walked to the front table, weak-kneed with worry that I’d arrived too late.

“Do you have any spots left in the two-year-old program?” I asked.

The director smiled at me. “You got the last spot. Congratulations.”

Oh, thank you Lord. I had to stop myself from doing the Snoopy dance in front of the whole room and shouting, “We’re in!” Restraint is always helpful when you don’t want to make enemies.

And I’m not feeling guilty at all now, thanks to Julie Barnhill. 😉