I love to wake up around 5:30 or 6:00 am, the house is calm and quiet...maybe I can get my Bible study in and take a nice walk. Lately, most mornings around that time, I hear the pitter patter of little toesies, and then a climb into my bed. On to preparing breakfast, then school, then lunch, then school, then naps, then dinner, and a lot in between :). In the midst of the spills, the cries for 'mommy', the questions about school, the trying to read aloud to the oldest while the youngest are dropping bombs and flying planes all around us...sometimes my brain feels extremely overstimulated. To say it nicely, this week I have had to repent over and over for a raw tone of voice, for a lack of patience, for a lack of smiling. It has made me so sad. I laid in bed last night, tossing and turning, unable to rest due to my 'rotten' attitude. I love this time of my life, why is it so hard to not get emotionally involved in my chidren's childishness. Instead, I begin acting childish myself! And then, wonder where they get it from. I happened to stop by http://flourishingmother.blogspot.com/, just before writing this...and was so blessed by one of her post. So, I will paste a small section of it. Hopefully, it will bless you as it has me. And, Praise the Lord that His mercies are made new everyday!!
Putting on kindness:
1. Practice kindness.
2. Recognize that whatever comes from my mouth is born in my heart.
3. Allow no corrupt talk, in any form, to come out of my mouth.
4. Learn to love kindness.
5. Recognize the difference between childish immaturity and sin.
Pursuing gentleness:
1. Smile at your children.
2. Demonstrate constant affection toward your children.
3. Never speak in tones of sarcasm.
4. Do not raise your voice.
5. *Practice* speaking gently.
6. Adorn yourself with gentleness and a quiet spirit.
7. Utilize your husband as an accountability partner in helping you grow in gentleness.
Be especially cautious of your words, tone of voice, and countenance as you speak to your husband. Your words should be wholesome and edifying. Your tone of voice should be gentle and calm. Your countenance (a smile or pleasant expression) should show respect even when you disagree with him or he is obviously sinning. God will help you if you turn to Him. He is the "help of your countenance, and your God." (Psalm 42:11)
Be blessed this week and may God be with us all as we strive to always practice kindness in the midst of every storm, no matter how big or how small!
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Help us all oh God. I am in deep need of this in my life too. Great article and I love that picture. What a blessed time of life for you! God give you the grace you need to enjoy all that He has given you. I am so very proud of what God is doing even in the midst of our chaos sometimes. His mercies are new every morning. I love you and what you stand for. You are a great writer. MOM
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