I have no excuse. Months ago, I found myself griping over my kids again and realized how ugly it was. Actually, Tim pointed it out. You see, the hour before dinner really is a tough time. Stomach’s are starting to growl, minds are tired, and tempers are short. I would be making food, snapping and my kids and then complaining about it all to Tim the moment he walked through the door.
I’m surprised he kept coming home.
My attitude towards my children became largely negative as I let myself gripe. God used the words from James 4:11 to silence me. “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.” Now the context is about adults defacing one another and judging one another harshly, so it doesn’t directly apply to me and my kids, but it’s not that far off. It is possible to slander our own kids. I think many hurting people, young an old, can attest to that.
I felt challenged that day to take the time to be thankful for one thing each day related to my children. Be thankful for them. To choose gratefulness, not bitterness. To build up instead of tearing down. To offer thanksgiving and for once be full of joy. There’s been enough whining in this house.
So here it is, Day 1:
Today I am thankful that my kids make me laugh. I so deeply desire to give in to laughter. Laughter that’s not stuck in my chest, but can sink into my belly as I join the unique laughter God gave to each of my kids. I am thankful for today’s laughter in the midst of stress and illness (I don’t feel very well). I look forward to laughing each day.
Today, Ben made me laugh when he chose a unique way to copy his brother. But first, a story from about a month ago. Jack was getting dressed in the other room and he was taking longer than usual. So I asked, in a sing-song voice, “Jack, what are you doing?” Without missing a beat, he echoed my tune, “Putting my underwear on my head.”
Today, Ben wanted to do just that.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Leah, one of the things I love MOST about you is your willingness to share vulnerable but relatable parts of yourself in an effort to become a better mom/wife/person–in a way that helps the rest of us too. Keep up the good work and remember that this is something that touches ALL families–a struggle that I’m quite confident we all face. Thinking of you!
Thanks, Kelsey. These words mean a lot. Especially coming from you!
This was such a wonderful post! First, because it was a reminder to me to choose gratefulness. I need that reminder — daily. Second, because was able to share in your laughter! What a gift. Thanks friend. 🙂
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