Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Psalm 42:5

A storm of grumps and grumbles darkens the children's evening. Sharp words are tossed while frowns blow from face to face. Why this upheaval, Lord? In a brief break from discord's ripples, I see my own image reflected in the puddle of discontentment.


In my search to find the source of their anger I need look no further than myself. How naive to imagine that in their passion to imitate me, they can choose only my noble qualities. So to change them, I must change me. Minute by minute, situation by situation, I must abandon my tendency to complain. Abandon my needless fussing. Will my praise encourage theirs?


Benjamin wakes up at 5 o'clock to nurse and doesn't resettle for sleep until the alarm signals the end of my night and my chance of extra rest...for I will yet praise Him.

Owen and Gavin shriek with little boy abandon and re-wake Benjamin. I dress and start breakfast with a cranky infant on my hip...for I will yet praise Him.

Oh it is a constant effort to work against my flesh.

I trip over board books and step on a stray Lego...for I will yet praise Him.

Owen needs his diaper changed and Gavin needs his math work checked and Maddie needs a drink of water...for I will yet praise Him.

Naptime is noisier and less restful than I planned...for I will yet praise Him.

Benjamin jostles around in my arms as I pound the chicken in frustration. I pause to sweep some crumbs and the dust pan skitters across the floor in my clumsy attempt. Maddie asks me to dress her doll and I snap, "Can't you see I'm busy?" bringing us both to tears. Grace through my setback...for I will yet praise Him.

Brian calls to say he will be working late...for I will yet praise Him.



It is evening again. The sun still shines. There is joy through our exhaustion, peace in our chaos. And we praise Him together!

Kristin

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for that encouragement. I have been there so much lately. Being stressed doesn't make it okay to act the way I sometimes act...

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  2. I've been dealing with the same thing. It's amazing how my attitude affects the rest of the family.

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  3. Excellent post. I have been trying to work on this in my own life. I will admit, though, that Legos REALLY hurt when you step on them!

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  4. Wow...what I needed today. How true this post is....

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  5. That is just what I needed to read this morning... and, um, every morning :-) I get frustrated easily and am trying to work on it. Great post!

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  6. Amen to that, Sister!

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  7. This might be your best post ever, Kristin. How true!

    And legos really DO hurt when you step on them!

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  8. I needed to read this. Today is my first day alone with two children. All is well but I have to continue to "praise him" still. Thanks for sharing.

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