Fact. I was NEVER going to have those kids. You know, the ones who talk back to their mom or throw a tantrum in public, or refuse to listen when given instructions. For sure my kids were going to behave ALL OF THE TIME because they were going to have a consistent and regimented mom. They weren't going to have a mom who didn't care and let them walk all over.
Fact. I was NEVER going to be that mom. You know, the mom who buys a small toy to get their child out of the toy store without a fight, or the one who bribes with treats to spur on eating. Oh, and I was NEVER going to have to count to 3 because they were going to listen the FIRST time.
Reality. I have done all that is listed above (and more!). Children are not going to do EVERYTHING you ask of them. Children are not robots. They are little sinners! Okay, that is harsh. But, in reality they are individuals, and individuals have their own brains, bodies, and feelings.
I am still navigating this whole mom thing (that's for sure), but I have come to realize that all good moms must have a tool box to pull from. This box should include people, as well as tricks. Don't try to navigate this parenting thing alone or with worn out, ineffective tools. Ask people for advice. Try new things. Being a mom is a minute by minute journey. Do what you need to do to have a happy, healthy home. If that means you turn on a movie to have 20 minutes of down time for you and the kids, then, by all means, do it! Use that time to pray and recharge. You are not a bad mom if you do this, regardless of what experts say. You are merely using your tools.
Happy building!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Clean
Both of my children are afraid of the vacuum. That is why I have to put off some of my cleaning for when I can be alone. Moms, isn't it wonderful to clean without being interrupted? I get so much done in so little time. Cleaning is definitely one of my favorite things to do for alone time.
So, now as I write, I have a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and peace. I sit with a sense of relief. I have a clean home. I can finally rest and enjoy my night. This idea of feeling calm and peaceful got me thinking. I always think metaphorically. It is one of the things I like most about myself. :)
When we are clean and pure, we can be calm, still, quiet, and fulfilled. When we try to go on with life pushing things to the side and deciding we'll deal with our "dirt" later, the weight of that "dirt" lies heavily on our minds and lives whether we like it or not.
So, what do you need to clean today? What haven't you brought to our gracious God and asked forgiveness for? I love when God teaches you something in the still and quiet of your content heart. He has whispered to me the very thing I challenge you all with. He didn't have to shout or wait for me to feel frustrated or desperate. He used a wonderful, quiet night of cleaning. God is good. Would you agree?
I'd like to make a shout out to my wonderful husband who cooked and cleaned up dinner, took the boys outside to play, and then gave them a bath. We both deserve to enjoy the rest of the night and celebrate our accomplishments.
So, now as I write, I have a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and peace. I sit with a sense of relief. I have a clean home. I can finally rest and enjoy my night. This idea of feeling calm and peaceful got me thinking. I always think metaphorically. It is one of the things I like most about myself. :)
When we are clean and pure, we can be calm, still, quiet, and fulfilled. When we try to go on with life pushing things to the side and deciding we'll deal with our "dirt" later, the weight of that "dirt" lies heavily on our minds and lives whether we like it or not.
So, what do you need to clean today? What haven't you brought to our gracious God and asked forgiveness for? I love when God teaches you something in the still and quiet of your content heart. He has whispered to me the very thing I challenge you all with. He didn't have to shout or wait for me to feel frustrated or desperate. He used a wonderful, quiet night of cleaning. God is good. Would you agree?
I'd like to make a shout out to my wonderful husband who cooked and cleaned up dinner, took the boys outside to play, and then gave them a bath. We both deserve to enjoy the rest of the night and celebrate our accomplishments.
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