I have been waking up early the past few weeks, usually around 6:00am. An ungodly hour for some - including myself. However, this whole pregnancy thing can get quite uncomfortable around this point so sleep often eludes me. That, and I really am enjoying the quiet, my coffee and my secret stash of mini blueberry muffins.
As I have sat here, in the quiet of the morning, I have been noticing that, as of late, I seem to be lacking in the patience, gentleness and self control department. I attribute some of it to my usual weaknesses, made greater by - you guessed it - pregnancy! It really is fun, isn't it moms?
So, I have been praying - so hard - for help in controlling my verb-age when it comes to my sweet babies. I want to be kind, loving, gentle to speak. Gentle to discipline. I don't want to break down and sob on the floor when the toddler spills her milk - again. I don't want to threaten bodily harm when my son speaks out of line - again. I don't want to question my daughter's mental capacity (aloud anyway) when I see her brushing the bathroom mirror instead of her teeth. I want to speak gently.
So, I have been praying, hard. But, I just can't seem to control the emotions, the words, the feelings. I know that my body is being hijacked by a mini-being - but I know that through prayer and determination I can work on how I address my children! I can control how I speak, I can be that gentle, quiet mother who admonishes through love, not anger - can't I???
My devotion verse today - Matthew 12:34-35
"For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil things stored up in him."
You don't say.
Guess what moms, while how we speak IS a control issue, its also a much bigger heart issue.
See what comes out of my mouth is a direct result of what has filled my heart. The problem may not be as much a self control or character issue as it is an issue of what goes in - will also come out. If my well is dry - gentleness, kindness, patience will never be able to flow out of it.
Goodness in = goodness out! Guess what, Moms? We need to take time to replenish our supply of good, in order to bestow it on the ones we hold most dear. We need our well to remain full and not run dry. In other words - for those who believe in the power of God to replenish, restore and fill - spend time with Him! Take some quiet time in the morning. Find a great little devotional, read the Bible (whaaaat???!!!)..........pray even! Take time to get together with a dear friend - one who will encourage you, pray for you, listen to you - love you. Go for a walk - by yourself. Recharge.
Anyone else have littles that think 6am is ok to wake up and start their day? Put. Them. Back. To. Bed.
7:30 is absolute earliest in this house. Littlest little - thank goodness - still sleeps til almost then. But, even she will learn when its ok to come out.
Moms need that quiet time. Mornings are best - but anytime you can get it - take it!
For those that read this that don't believe what I do - I would encourage you to explore it - my faith has saved me - on more than one occasion. Motherhood is far too demanding and depleting to attempt without an anchor of faith.
As moms we live to fulfill the needs of those around us. We give and give of ourselves, without a thought of anything in return. But, you can't give if there is nothing left. You can not give the love, patience, support, encouragement and guidance your children and husband need if YOU, dear mom, are not seeking these same things from above. Our tongues, our words, our responses to spilled milk are going to be a direct reflection of the shape our own hearts are in.
Remember, one can give only if one has. Take time to fill your heart with the Word, prayer, reflection, peace and happiness. You will be amazed at what is then able to come out.......
"For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil things stored up in him."
