I am generally an upbeat and can-do person. This month, the combination of my husband's long work hours, the behavior of my toddlers, our routine being disrupted by the excitement of the holidays and sickness had caused me to start feeling very overwhelmed.
I had a fresh realization yesterday that somewhere along the way, I have switched from living proactively to living reactively. This goes against every fiber in my being and it has taken its toll on my attitude.
The Lord brought to mind a couple of things I have read in the last few days. First, Elizabeth Eliot's devotional yesterday about teaching your children to choose. I embraced this idea when I read about it before I actually had children, but somewhere in the chaos of toddlerhood, I had started to not apply this method consistently. I started again yesterday and it is working quite well.
Second, I stumbled across this post last week called "Think like a Server." I was intriqued by the title, because in my professional life (pre-children) I had been the Director of Leadership Development for a large company. Our basic premise was Servant Leadership. I spent years helping people understand the difference in being a slave (involuntarily obeys commands-negative connotation) and a servant (meets needs-positive connotation).
I realized that I, like my toddlers, have a choice. Each day, I choose to serve, proactively and with love OR to begrudgingly be a slave to my circumstances and the volatile emotions of my children.
So, today, I choose to serve. I will serve my Father, who has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. I will follow Erin's example, to embrace my cup. I will take deep breaths and pray quick prayers before I react and I will seek to parent with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control."
When, inevitably, my flesh is weak, my mind and body tired and it all falls apart, I'll strive to treat myself with grace, not beat myself up. I will seek forgiveness and strength from my Heavenly Father and jump back into the game.
Pray for me.
Jenn, I pray every day to be a better mom, I'll add you to my list of those who want to strive to have the right attitude.
ReplyDeletePray for me, too.
I do pray for you each time I come here to visit, which is everyday. Alot of parents that have small children seem to have a hard time yet you have 3 and your husband is away alot. That is a huge burden on you even though you are remarkable at it. I am so touched by your constant willingness to be a Godly mom and seek the Lords will day by day. It does work if you take it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile and encourage me as well. I say great job jenmom keep up the great attitude.
Blessings to you.
Father, I thankyou for Jenmoms love and service to you in raising these precious 3 you have given her. You knew she could do it or you never would have intrusted your children to her. Give her the patience and stanima she needs to show these precious little toddlers what it truely is like to be raised in a home full of your love and safety. For in that will they grow to show your love and servanthood as well. Show Jenmom your constant love and patience today. Give her your Grace so it may reflect in her children. Amen
Thank you for that reminder. I too hit a wall yesterday and just felt completely overwhelmed. After a lot of prayer and some help from G I can see the light, but I think I too have fallen into 'reaction' mode this month. Here's to a fresh outlook. I will pray for you as I pray for myself as well.
ReplyDeletePraying...
ReplyDeletealison
These are some of my goals as well. I will pray for you today.
ReplyDeleteKim
It is 5:30 and even with sick children, today has been SUCH a better day. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm feeling the same way right now. It's so hard to not get overwhelmed and react. I'll be praying for you... hope your day goes well!
ReplyDeleteNICE color change. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI prayed for you this morning! I hope you,your husband, and your little ones are getting ready for a joyous Christmas season! I was just thinking about all the fun at your house this year! What Joy!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Kim
I am praying for you Jenn. I work with children a lot at work and I help moms out in my spare time. An extra hand can be such a blessing.
ReplyDeletehey jen. i tried leaving a comment the other day and blogger wasn't letting me. and now i can't remember what i said...of course! but thanks again for your honesty. i am so quick to react to my kids....i snap, i yell, i get annoyed....rather than taking a deep breathe and thinking before i do any of the above. God certainly teaches us so much through our children!!
ReplyDeleteJen, I tried leaving you a comment the other day, too. From your post above, I know how awesome it must have been to have Ryland around today. When the going gets tough, strength in (adult) numbers is a good thing. And with toddler triplets ... well ... it's almost always tough.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing such an incredible job raising your children - and this is NO easy job. We have to remember that we are human and although we have our moments of glory - there are also those times we want nothing more than to climb in a hole.
I'll be praying for you. Especially tomorrow morning when you are in church trying to light an advent calendar ... bwahaha!!! Can someone please take a picture?!
(Speaking of pictures, your signature picture is beautiful. I love it. Although, I do miss the three head shots at the top of your page!)