some days everything the kids do frustrates me...i know my patience is wearing thin, the day is coming to a close, but bedtime couldn't be soon enough and i try to to remind myself that i need a little more patience, a little more grace, a little more love in my words...but ahhhh!! sometimes i feel like screaming and some days my volume creeps up...but how can i teach them about self control when some days i obviously haven't quite learned this lesson. the never ending arguing and whining is just about enough to drive me crazy. i pray for patience, wisdom, grace, love, compassion and anything else that will help me get to the end of the day.
today was one of those days. ella was tired. everything and anything brought about the dramatic flow of tears. i was a little more on edge today. i was frustrated and feeling like a complete failure as a mom. out of nowhere i tried a little something different. i had wisdom not of myself. i had grace and compassion for a frustrated little girl. my prayers were answered in such an obvious way. God gave me the patience and compassion to hear a little heart out and that was all she needed. she needed to be heard. we talked and hugged and everything wasn't perfect but God's presence was there.
i sat here looking for a picture to throw in and i looked at these little faces and my heart swelled.
these guys are my heart, my love, my joy...
tomorrow is a new day and i'm trusting God to equip me with what i need to raise these little ones that He has entrusted to me.
I'm so glad God gave you patience just when you needed it. I always feel so guilty when I snap and handle tough situations with Owen in an unwonderful way. Your story about being compassionate towards Ella's sadness reminds me of a book I read from time to time called, "How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, and Listen so Kids Will Talk."
ReplyDeleteI never understood how/why parents yelled at their children until I had one of my own. I can't believe how frustrating our two year old can be. Sometimes I just want to yell at her, "I love you so much... Can't you just be nice?!?"
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes I'm so happy to see bedtime arrive that I could almost cry. Parenting is certainly not an easy road but that's okay because it's definitely a wonderful one.
What a beautiful post!
ReplyDeletewhat an inspiring post, for this momma! thank you for your sweet words.
ReplyDeleteU are an awesome, strong and beautiful momma! I know that most days are not easy. Remember that the days are long but the years are short. Treasure those moments, as hard as it may be in the frustrating times, I know every day there is at least a few moments to treasure and they are the only things that get me through the rough times...
ReplyDeleteNow, when are WE going to go SURF with your new board???? I say we go with the all the family(s), and let the boys watch the kids on the shore while we get our surf on. It's been WAY too long and I think we deserve it. Need to wax my board, but I have my 4:3 wet suit and booties for the cold waters!