I sit in the glow of the low lamp light, snuggled under my favorite quilt. My Bible, well worn and marked, splayed open next to me. I had just semi-successfully resettled the two year old, trying to convince him it was still too early for wee ones to patter around.
I need this time alone with Him before the crazy that is our day unfolds. My spirit groans in fatigue and stress, calling out to my Father for a time of comfort.
Upstairs I hear the sisters stirring. This is their usual way. Only today, it’s not so usual.
Their sleep-heavy whispers turn to firm tones through gritted teeth. Within minutes an all-out-bed-to-bed argument was underway.
You see, a serious case of the winter grumpies had found our house a few weeks ago. Tempers were shorter; voices were curt; and squabbles had increased exponentially.
This morning, when the arguing started before the day had even begun, I felt something inside snap. Anger bubbled up in my heart and my jaw tightened in frustration. I tried to get up from the couch to trudge up the stairs and put a stop to this nonsense once. and. for. all. But I couldn’t move.
I had been stopped in my tracks by an unseen hand.
Lord, I need wisdom. Help me help them.
It was a desperate cry from a mother’s heart when she didn’t know what else pray.
I topped the stairs and peeked into their room.
“I don’t know why you are arguing before you are even out of bed, but this is not how we’re going to start our day. I want you both to lay there for the next 5 minutes, without talking, and think about what attitude you are going to choose to have today. And in what way you’re going to choose to treat the members of our family today.”
I had managed to say it in a calm voice, disguising the rage that boiled beneath. As I pulled the door to, I heard a Whisper in my heart:
Take your own advice, daughter.
We all needed a fresh start this morning – mommy included most of all.
So I took my 5 minutes and decided I was going to be loving and kind to the members of my family today. And I chose to not let the dark, dreary gray of winter chameleon my mood to match.
All because I listened to that voice when it whispered to me, drawing me to Himself when I was at wit’s end.
How about you today, mama? Do you need a five minute fresh start? Join me, friend. Breathe. Pray. Choose.
About Jen Deibel
Wow, how did you know? It was a crazy morning, the girls missed their school bus so I had to traipse them 8 miles to their school and then rush off to work. Despite everything, i was at work just on time. Having sat at my desk for a reprieve, I read your post and smiled; someone else went throught the same frustration; I decided to take 5 mins to calm my spirit down with the Lord….thanks for your inspiration. Loving words do not always come at the moment when “hell” breaks loose, but words of anger and frustration, so this was a good “woosa” moment. Thank you!
(((hugs))) Girl, I know. I know. I’m so glad you were able to get your fresh start, and that you’ll get the opportunity for a fresh start with your girls when they get home from school! Keep on putting one foot in front of the other, mama!
Jen Deibel recently posted..When Your Morning…Needs a New Morning
What a great reminder, Jen. I am so often prone to ploughing on into situations in life – act first, think later. I wish I was not so impulsive but I am and often live to regret the haste that I rushed into situations with. I love your five minutes idea and will try to bear it in mind before I impulsively rush into things. I would love to be more prayerful about my life, particularly my parenting.
Thanks so much for your wise words.
Blessings to you.
Mel Caldicott recently posted..Rest in Your Salvation
Oh, Mel, I’m the same way!! My default is to storm up those stairs and let em have it. But for the grace of God, this particular morning I actually heard and heeded His voice. And I’m so glad He spoke.
Jen Deibel recently posted..When Your Morning…Needs a New Morning
Thank you for this… it was a confirmation of my thought for my post today. I (me, Mom) must choose to be different…..
I will try to remember to Take 5 before I lose my mind!
Piper recently posted..JOY!: Making a Choice
Take 5…I like that!
Jen Deibel recently posted..When Your Morning…Needs a New Morning
I love this. Living in a house of no morning people, including myself, we often have to overcome the initial bad attitude that stems just from having to get up in the morning. I will try this for myself and for my daughter, who has to be up too early to catch her bus.
We have the lovely conundrum that 2 of our 3 kids are morning people…the strongest willed kiddo is not a morning person and neither are the parents. Ha!! It is not easy, for sure!
Jen Deibel recently posted..When Your Morning…Needs a New Morning
I had this morning TODAY. My son keeps waking up earlier and earlier, and I don’t WANT to wake up earlier and earlier just for a few minutes with the Lord! Thanks for your encouraging words!
Amy recently posted..A Year of Pursuing God {and a giveaway!!!}
Yes, my son does this, too. Just when I find the resolve to et up earlier for more Bible time, he starts waking earlier, too! Hang in there, mama!
Jen Deibel recently posted..When Your Morning…Needs a New Morning