Journeys into the Mirror: Many Hands Are Needed—and I Only Have Two!

Part of the Journeys Into the Mirror collection of reflections by Janneke Koole—born from a lifetime of spiritual practice, personal healing, and a deep connection to nature. Inspired by her mother’s way of seeing beauty in the everyday, Janneke invites us to look at the outer seasons as mirrors for our inner lives. Each piece offers a story, image, or guided practice to help you reconnect with your senses, your spirit, and your own truth as a woman.

A typical day for a young mom begins before dawn and ends long after all the others have gone to bed. Her well-deserved sleep is often interrupted by a little voice calling out in the night.

Jill was such a Mom. She had five children (each within two years of each other) and she worked as an accountant in the family business. Up before dawn, she prepared breakfast and lunches so that those who were of school age got to the bus on time. The rest she could deal with later. Each day she was happy when that first deadline was met without too much yelling and screaming.

“Ah, I have a minute for me.” Jill sighed as she watched the two little ones tumble around in their pajamas. Miraculously, they all knew that when Mom sat down with that particular cup of tea she was not to be disturbed.

Five minutes later, she bathed and dressed the two little ones, packed their daily needs and off to Grandma they went. Of course, she had to dress herself somewhere in between all that. Make-up? Hair styling? Not usually! A little dab of moisturizer and a quick brush was more the norm.

Jill realizes how grateful she is that Grandma (her mother) lives down the road and is happy to take care of the children. She actually likes her work in the office. It offers her some peace and quiet—numbers are so much more compliant than people.

However, the day whizzes by and it’s time to pick up the little ones and get home before the school bus drops off the older ones. Oh yes, she needs to pick up some groceries. And isn’t this the day that Jackie has his soccer tournament? Of course this starts just before their usual dinner hour and of course she will have the meal ready a bit early and take Jackie to his soccer game. Sammy needs to get to piano lessons right in the middle of the tournament and Joey comes home with a sniffle and slight fever.

Jill throws her arms in the air and says, “I need more hands to make this work!” Car pools are arranged, a babysitter called in so Joey can stay home and go to bed. Somehow it all works again—one more time with feeling.

Several hours later, and with a flurry of baths and prayers, all five are tucked into bed. Jill returns to her favorite chair with a last cup of tea. The phone rings and it is Walter (her husband who is traveling for his work). “How was your day, dear?”

Jill is not sure whether to cry or laugh. “It was another day in the life of a mom with five children. We are just fine.” As she hears the stories of his day, her eyes can barely remain open. And there is still a load of laundry to do and dishes to put away.

Finally she runs a bath and lights some candles. This is Jill’s favorite ritual of the day—it’s truly her time. She sinks down into the water, resting her weary arms and gives thanks. At the end, she releases the stress of the day down the drain. As she blows out the candles, one for each of the five children and one for her husband, she sends them her love and prayers. Now, much more relaxed, she can fall asleep in peace.

Excerpted from “Journey’s into the Mirror” written by Janneke Koole
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