We had one of those busy weekends that was a blur of activity. It was a good weekend, with time spent with good friends and precious family. But we were gone all weekend. And NOTHING got done around the house. Yesterday was also busy, as I helped my pastor's wife feed the work crew who are building our new church. That adds up to about four days without doing a significant amount of laundry. Plus I'm out of laundry detergent. Translation--I'd better get to washing if we are going to have clean underwear for church tonight ;). And did I mention that the cupboards are bare? Now, most of you probably know that a trip to Wal-Mart with three small children is no simple thing. It takes careful planning around meal and nap time so everyone is full and have as little crank in their attitudes as possible.
So as I sat on the couch this morning, thinking about the pile of laundry, the dirty floor, the empty pantry, and the freezing temps we will all be subjected to when we go to the store, I almost went THERE. To that stressed-out Mommy place, on the edge of impatience. That place where the voices whisper, "You can't do this. It's too much and no one should be expected to do all you do." The place where I wish it would all just disappear. The place where SELF takes over.
At this point, you can CHOOSE. Oh, the power of CHOICE. You can choose to slip into that hole and wallow in self-pity. Or you can LET IT GO. So what if all the laundry is not done today? So what if it takes two hours to buy the groceries and your kids misbehave in public? I chose to focus my attention on this:
I chose peace and gentleness and self-control. I find that each day of this motherhood journey is filled with choices. Our children depend so much on our choices and reactions. Their peace of mind and security depends on our choices. Today I chose to let go of the stress, take a deep breath, and do what had to be done with a sweet spirit. I chose to deny big ole "SELF".
What choices have you made lately?
4 comments:
Oh yes. THERE. I've been THERE. And you are right, we always have a choice. Thanks for the reminder!
Good job Mama! Ive been there too...too frequently lately with having the new baby(of course its all the little things the older kids try to get away with!) Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that there are more important things to worry abuot than laundry. :)
What a helpful post! Thank you. I can relate. I am a new mama with a 3 and 1/2 month old girl. Its exciting and wonderful and challenging and stressful and rewarding. Sanctifying. Whew. First marriage as a tool of sanctification and now this! :) But I thank the Lord Jesus. What a merciful and gracious Lord and God we have. And yes, it is a choice. So I must remind myself. Blessings.
I can definitely relate to this post! Sigh! There are days when saying no to self and choosing joy and peace and grace is really really hard! But those are the days when we need to get on our knees and pray to the Lord for help and an attitude adjustment! Good for you!
Thanks for your comments on my blog! It's neat to see who reads my insignificant little corner. :)
Your children are sweet!
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