I'm not upset about spilled milk. I'm upset about the horsing around that led to the spilling.
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I'm not frustrated about shoes all over the house. I'm frustrated about the lack of respect for my direct and simple request to put the shoes away.
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I'm not yelling because of the crying. I'm yelling because of the sibling squabbles that caused the injury.
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The rules are for a reason. If only they would follow them, life would be so much easier. The rules aren't that difficult. I don't get it.
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Except that... I do.
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God's rules are simple. And they're straightforward. And there aren't that many of them.
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But I complicate things with sin anyways. I ignore the rules and act out of my own selfish whims. And things get messy.
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I can only imagine God's frustration with me. But He doesn't yell or tantrum or strike with lightning bolts. Instead, God gently corrects me and calls me back to Him. He offers His grace and mercy in confession.
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I can refuse His grace and His friendship... but then I condemn myself to separation from Him. Hell isn't God's will for me, but a destination of my own choosing.
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Can I extend mercy to my kids before I sentence them to the "hell" of time out and yelling and harsh punishments? Can I offer them explanations and redirection and a chance for grace and reconciliation? Can I give them consequences as merciful as my monthly 3 Hail Marys?
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God grant me grace and mercy. Give me a share in Your heart. Help me model my discipline after Yours. And help mold my children into upright, virtuous, beautiful people. Amen.
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I was making my to-do list this morning, and I could feel myself getting a little frantic about all the things I wanted to get done. I was putting all this pressure on myself. And I could feel the temptation already, before even getting started, to prioritize "stuff" over people. I need to get this stuff done. My family will distract me and slow me down.
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I decided to change mg to-do list into a to-be list. I do this from time to time. So I staet my list with thinking of who I want to be today. A loving mom. A happy homemaker. A kind birthday part host.
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Then, what tasks are necessary to help me be this version of myself? Truly necessary.
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Hugs made it on the list. Because my kids need those. And so do I. They don't need their room cleaned this moment, or fancy breakfasts. I'll toss them a bowl of cereal and a smile.
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Speak kindly is necessary because I need that reminder. Yelling doesn't make them want to listen or make me any happier.
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Take deep breaths. I don't need to panic. Today will be followed by tomorrow. One more chance to get stuff done.
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Read a book to the kids. Slow done and show them my love. Fill their tanks. These are the snuggly happy moments they'll remember.
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Laundry and dinner are a must today so we don't go naked and hungry. But I can get them rolling with a smile. And it doesnt have to be fancy or perfect. Just enough so we can wear our clothes and eat something nourishing.
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This bday party is going to be small. Grammie. A best friend maybe. Mostly it's for my kids. But I want to be involved. So instead of spending it the Martha way (cleaning) I want to spend it the Mary way (hanging out).
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I can give a quick clean so I dont seem like a slob but I refuse to obsess.
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God help me be the person You created me to be.
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What's on your to-do list today? How can you tweak it to help you be the person you want to be (and God is calling you to be) today?
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