Dear Lord;
Things aren't going so well today. I have already lost my patience several times and the sun isn't even up.
Give me your patience today.
When I look into their eyes, let me see what you see.
When they're screaming in my face, let me love like you love.
When I am wiping another bottom, let me serve how you served.
When they throw their lunch on the floor and complain, let me find a way to fill their bellies without resentment.
When they fight and scream, let me stop and play and solve problems in patient way, in a way that says "I have time for you."
When they ruin my work, and slow me down, and unfold my laundry let me stop and show them that work is a gift not a burden and they are a help to mommy, not a nuisance.
Give me creative, practical things to do with them because my mind is too tired, and my ego too fragile to look for ideas on Pintrest.
Help me prepare them for the coming of your Son.
Help me remember that Jesus came to us as a baby, that he was the age of my children once and when I love them, I love that beautiful Savior.
Remind me that Mary, my Mother is here for me when I have no perspective on how quickly this time really goes.
Remind me that time is a thief and one day I will look back on these days with wonder, longing for a little one to place on my lap, or a baby to nurse.
Help me humble myself and call on Mary and her Beloved Son for help.
Help me see my children today.
Help me see you in them today.
Help me serve the least of these because that is what you have called me to do today and always.
And when I feel the anger and frustration welling up inside of me, when I want to raise my voice, or my hand, remind me that these beautiful children are a precious gift from my loving Savior and help me extend to them the same Grace, Patience, Understanding, Mercy and Love that I so desperately need from you and from others every day of my life.
Amen
My friend posted a link to your blog on FB today. I just wanted to say thank you for the little reminder! Printing it out to read in the morning before I go and get the kids out of their beds. You're words are a blessing today!
ReplyDeleteAndrea that brings such joy to my heart! I am so glad it encouraged you, and I am flattered that you would print it out to read again! God bless you in all you do for your little one(s), may God keep encouraging you in all you do! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, it's like this was written just for me! Printing it out and putting it RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FRIDGE!
ReplyDeleteMight be extreme pregnancy hormones getting the best of me, but this made me tear up. Thank you for the beautifully worded reminder. And it feels so great to know I am not the only one who feels this way. I get so aggravated when they "help" me and undo all my work. But the little one is only 18 months old, and he is really trying to be genuinely helpful!!!
I know Jess! It is so frustrating sometimes, and we wouldn't be human if it didn't drive us crazy. 18 months is so hard because they're old enough to really want to "help" but they can't do anything helpful. God will bless you for your patience! And don't beat yourself up, we all want to turn on the TV and tell them to go in the other room so mommy can get X done...and sometimes that's okay too :-). God bless you!
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