Today, Monday Day 21

If only I had this epiphany yesterday, my day would have been brighter.

I realized in the shower this morning that I was pouting yesterday for no reason.  I was feeling sorry for myself yesterday evening, because it was raining and my day was blah.  I didn't get something big or fancy for Mother's Day.  I didn't got to a fancy restaurant for brunch or lunch or dinner.  I didn't get a pampered day all about me.  I did get some sweet homemade gifts that are priceless and precious, but something inside of me wanted more.  I did 2 loads of laundry, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher, vacuumed; I guess I was a mother on Mother's Day.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

This holiday is totally made up by the government to stimulate the economy.  I should feel loved and appreciated everyday, not just one day a year.  I shouldn't need a card or a gift certificate for a massage to make me feel affirmed in my job as a mother.  They (people on TV, marketing people) made me feel like I wasn't appreciated yesterday because I didn't get flowers and a dinner at a nice place.  The devil made me feel less loved because I didn't get some fancy gift.  How dare he!!!  I do feel loved.  I don't need anything.  We have plenty.  When you can't think of somewhere to go out to eat, because you are sick of eating at the same places; you probably go out to eat too much!  The nicest thought of the day wasn't the big breakfast and the finger paint magnets, it was when Matt came out of the grocery store and handed me a coke, without being asked!  That is love and appreciation!

Try and un-affirm that, devil!!

It is amazing the thoughts that go through my brain at 5:45am in the shower.  It is quiet.  God really spoke to me this morning and I feel like I didn't really enjoy or really take in all of yesterday, when I should be thankful that I have children to have given me a Mother's Day to celebrate in the first place.

Thank you God for making me a mother and giving me these great kids!

Now, on to the rest of the day.

Went my other job this morning and now I am home to a quiet house.  The kids are napping and I can think.  Think about what God is doing in my life for a second.  I feel like God wants some more changes in my life, in regards to my mothering skills. 

Rule #10  Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry
         The anger of a parent confronted with a child's poor choice shifts the focus from the child's bad behavior to the parent's angry response.  Responding to disobedience with empathy rather than anger is difficult, but the reward is great.
                  Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.   James 1:19-20

THEREFORE...
No more yelling at my kids.  They are yelling back at me and each other.  My bad habit is becoming their bad behavior.  This is going to stop NOW!!!  (I said this quietly, but with emphasis)