So, this morning, I wake up and remember my 2nd grader has a project due today. His "All About Me." Fairly simple, right. Right. I wake up my sons and send my oldest of to the shower while we start on this project. Did I mention I woke up late? Oh, ok. So we're at the table working on this project, printing pictures, coloring and gluing. After about 20 minutes, we produced a final project that he was proud of.
Fast forward to my oldest who has gotten out of the shower and back into the bed. In my attempt to remain calm and speak in low tones, I say, "Darnell, I need you to get up and get dressed." He sleepily gets dressed and moves toward the bathroom to brush his teeth. Poor thing. I know the feeling, I too want to crawl back into bed.
But determined to get my kids off to school on a good foot, I press forward. The big boys are dressed and I am scrambling to find something both clean and accommodating of my current size. I get dressed, clean the baby and we're out the door. My big boys are eating Chef Boyardee warm-ups for breakfast (don't judge me). A little later than I'd like but still not terrible. In the car and now for a morning devotional with the boys. I start the song. Chris Tomlin begins..."water You turned into wine, opened the eyes..." I make a u-turn. Derek screams. Red tomato sauce is all over his new shirt, shorts and the cloth interior of the car.
Stop the car. I can't lose it. I no longer feel like singing, "Our God is greater...." Sometimes, I feel defeated and sometimes, I concede and wave the white flag. I make another u-turn and go back home. A quick wardrobe change for my son and a quick prayer for me.
Back in the car. No devotional. Let's get on with our day. I'm praying but I'm still frustrated because now I'm off schedule. Is God not still greater?
It's in these moments I'm learning how to teach my children important lessons of life. Mistakes happen. It wasn't malicious and it wasn't his fault. No fussing from me this morning. These are the moments, I want my children to see God getting the glory out of every area of my life. Yes God, you are still greater!! Back to Chris Tomlin.. "Our God is greater, our God is stronger..." is now belting from the speakers.
God is too great of a God to be tossed aside because of spilled tomato sauce or a late start. Do I really want my children to toss aside their special "God time" because of a missed shot in basketball, or a misspelled word on a test? Do I want them to think it is ok to be mad and not talk to God? Absolutely not!!! These are the times when God is needed most. God uses these bloopers in life to teach us to lean on Him.
Lord, give me a little more patience and help me to see my children are not adults. Help me to remain dedicated to sharing Your Word with my sons even during frustrating moments. In my moments of frustration, help me to lean on You for direction, guidance and peace. Give me the words to build my sons up in love. Help us all to make better choices. Get the glory out of our lives.
"Turst in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Amen
What areas are you struggling with to allow God to be victorious in? How will you make a conscious decision to set aside frustration and focus on the greatness of our God?
