The one thing I wanted for Mother's Day.....
I didn't get. My kids asked me what I wanted and I told them in complete truthfulness, "All I want is a peaceful day. I don't want to break up any fights and I don't want to settle any arguments. I don't want any of you to annoy another one and I don't want any whining."
"Okay, Mommy. We can do that!" they replied.
Five whole minutes after everyone awoke, the fighting began. Someone looked at someone funny. Then, someone called someone a name. Then, someone else stood up for the someone that called a name. And it was all down hill from there.
All day, I've been thinking to myself, "I'm a failure, Lord. You've entrusted me with these amazing children and I can not even make them get along."
But, then this happened:
In case you can't read that, it says, "10 bucks for a car wash. Raising money for Hadey (Haiti). Call now. Starting next Saturday."
Silas made a plan. And, then he made a sign. And, then, he practiced "washing" our van. We've been talking in our family about raising money for a water system that will be installed at an orphanage in Haiti. We had hoped the kids would want to be involved, but didn't want to force the issue because we wanted it to truly affect their hearts.
I guess I feel like maybe I did SOMETHING right. Sam will help Silas make signs and wash cars. Selah will be the "towel girl." (whatever that is) And Jeff and I will sit back and beam.
Because, in spite of all the fighting and fussing today, maybe.....just maybe.....I'm doing something right.
"Okay, Mommy. We can do that!" they replied.
Five whole minutes after everyone awoke, the fighting began. Someone looked at someone funny. Then, someone called someone a name. Then, someone else stood up for the someone that called a name. And it was all down hill from there.
All day, I've been thinking to myself, "I'm a failure, Lord. You've entrusted me with these amazing children and I can not even make them get along."
But, then this happened:
Silas made a plan. And, then he made a sign. And, then, he practiced "washing" our van. We've been talking in our family about raising money for a water system that will be installed at an orphanage in Haiti. We had hoped the kids would want to be involved, but didn't want to force the issue because we wanted it to truly affect their hearts.
I guess I feel like maybe I did SOMETHING right. Sam will help Silas make signs and wash cars. Selah will be the "towel girl." (whatever that is) And Jeff and I will sit back and beam.
Because, in spite of all the fighting and fussing today, maybe.....just maybe.....I'm doing something right.
posted by erinlo at 7:13 PM
2 Comments:
Of course you're doing something right, silly!!!!
It's in a siblings nature to fight and taunt and pick on each other....enjoy the bickering while they are young - there are no hormones involved yet!!
Love you, lovely friend :)
Erin,it occurred to me when I read your post a couple of weeks ago about Mother's day what a perfect metaphor that was for how we are with God. We promise Him to behave in a certain way and then go on with our day and promptly forget to honor the promise. We have good intentions--but just like the kids, we slip back to our own ways so easily. You are a good mom!!! Don't doubt yourself. ~Carol
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