Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 4)Намуна

“You guys are making me crazy!”

I know you’ve said it in elevated decibels to your children at least once. Probably several times. I know, because I yelled it many times to my own. The bickering, tattling, sassy, and disrespectful attitudes, and constant needs agitate us to the point of pulling out our hair. Or screaming at everyone. When the dust settles, we don’t feel any better. Sure, there’s a moment of quietness, until the scenario repeats itself again and again.

What might happen if the next time history repeats its ugly self, we are ready with a different perspective? What if we began to rename these challenging daily circumstances “opportunities”? What if we began to see that these disappointing situations are actually the hand of God in our life, and in the lives of our children?

He is giving us opportunities to make hard, right choices of love, patience, and self-control; to choose Him. He is presenting us with teachable moments for our children, and for our own hearts. He is giving us occasions to become more like Him. He is giving us special moments to teach our children that anxiety can be controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, and it begins with us controlling ourselves.

Yeah, you’ll forget. You’ll often allow your frustrations to overtake you. When it happens, stop, pray, invite Christ into the situation, and try again. As you practice seeing “opportunity” rather than another frustrating time of disappointment and discouragement, you will begin to see growth and change in your heart that will spill over onto your children. Try it! Press through and don’t give up.

Father, I confess that I lose it all too often with my kids. The explosion of words and commands I yell don’t make any of us feel peaceful or good. I pray that you will help me remember to recognize these times as opportunities to show you honor by choosing the fruit of your Presence rather than an explosion of hurtful words. I invite you, right now, into the very first situation that presents itself, knowing that your strength and power lives in me and that you will give me the right words of love, patience, and self-control needed for the moment. Thank you for your patience with me.