Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Yesterday and today have not been my finest moments as a mom. 

I have raised my voice far too much. 

I have spanked more in two days than I have in the last few months (to be fair, it could also be that my 2-year-old is really practicing that fun skill of "testing the limits"). 

I have been impatient. 

I have been unforgiving. 

I started to believe the lie that Satan keeps whispering in my ear...."You're a sucky sucky sucky mom."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Then, I looked at these little people tonight while they took their bath and remembered some other things. 

I have given countless hugs and kisses. 


I have snuggled and tickled. 

I have read book after book after book (after book). 

I have chased and been chased. 

I have built and knocked down buildings and raced cars. 

I have sung songs and colored pictures, and I have fixed and fed meals. 

I've been an okay mom, too. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My children are so quick to forgive. 

They see my frustration (Jack signs "I'm sorry" and requests a hug) in those moments, and two seconds later, their smiles return. They love me with a grace-filled love that is almost unrecognizable. 

Why can't I be like that when things don't go my way or someone has hurt me? Why can't I forgive and forget as quickly as they do?

I *can*. 

Most times I choose not to. Out of anger or irritation or hurt, I cling to my emotions with such fierceness. 

I've just gotta let it go. Not just for me; for the little pairs of eyes watching my every move every single day. I don't want them to lose that pure love they are so filled to the brim with. 

Tomorrow's a new day. If God sees fit to grant me a tomorrow, I'll do my best to make it a better one. 

Comments

  1. The HusbandJuly 13, 2015 at 3:47 AM

    :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoyJuly 18, 2015 at 10:12 PM

      Still trying, Love. Thanks for sticking with me.

      Delete
  2. MomJuly 13, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    And, you will make it a better day because you love unconditionally. Every day is not going to go smoothly (as you know), but as long as you can see the big picture of having two precious little ones in your life (warts and all), you will keep on being the best mommy you can be. Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 13, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    1) Being a mom is REALLY HARD!

    2) Nobody ever gets anything right on the first try.

    -Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  4. MarisaJuly 18, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    This post really spoke to me as a new mom to a two-month old girl. It helps to focus on the positives rather than the not-so-picture-perfect-we're-all-human times. I have to remember that as I navigate these waters. Also, it's amazing how much we can learn from these sweet innocent children, not only their forgiving nature, but also unconditional love. You're doing great, Joy. It's a pleasure to read your blog and see your little family grow and blossom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoyJuly 18, 2015 at 10:11 PM

      Thank you, Marisa. Those wee-baby moments go by so quickly. Next thing you know, you'll have a toddler on your hands :) I miss holding a squishy baby, but I'm enjoying getting a few more hours of sleep! ;)
      Thanks for following our journey.

      Delete

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