"A man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

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Friday, April 30, 2010

Time for a change!

I am afraid I am becoming a bit of a tyrant of late. My need for perfection is getting the best of me. So important it is to me that the house be immaculate, chores done to my standard, we be on time...even 10 minutes early to every occasion, the kids always match and have cute hair...that it is costing me and my family happiness. I'm starting to see myself as a very ugly individual. I find myself more irritable and short with the kids. Smiles are few and far between and joy is becoming conditional. And it all needs to stop!


I am going to purpose to:


Smile bigger

Laugh more

Hug lots

Play rough

EnJOY the mess of little ones because sooner than I'd like they won't be here to make them.

EnJOY the loud voices because some day I won't be the first one they come to talk to.

EnJOY the job of "training" because one day I WILL see the fruits of my labor!

Hang up every picture because the crayons will be put away in just a few short years.

Just enJOY my children.


Not that I don't already, but the time I have to enJOY them is growing shorter and shorter because of my need for perfection...which I am very aware I am far from and will never achieve, but for some reason, my brain does not get that.


Joy: Feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated and spiritual kind.


To delight in something.


I want to delight in my children while I have them. I want to have feelings of great happiness and pleasure in them.


Sometimes to gain that...there has to be a little effort. ;)

8 comments:

Shannon said...

Me too! That is a great challenge for all of us. I have been doing better lately, but this week was one of those meltdown weeks for me. I am so dissappointed in me!

I think the wonderful is that we are willing to acknowledge that we are the problem. That is a huge part of the battle. Now we just need to step out in action.

Too Many Kids In The Bathtub said...

You are such an amazing mother! And part of what makes you amazing is being able to see your family through God's standards instead of your own!!!!!!!

Debbie said...

I couldn't agree more. This is also a challenge for me. I am right with you and need to be enjoying their presence more. Every time we go to the doctor, as we went today, he reminds me of how that I will miss this time and how that it will pass quicker than I think.

Kate @ Bliss and That said...

I love this! What a great reminder! You're so right... With striving for near-perfection in every aspect, Mama gets stressed out and over tired, suffocating the ability to be truly happy just "being" amongst our children being children! Blessings!!!

Aaron and Amber said...

Me too! I have been struggling with this all last week and the one before! *Sigh* glad to know it not just me! EnJOY you children, I will mine.

Aaron and Amber said...

Hey, I just wanted to pop over and say thanks for following my blog! :)

HAPPYHANERHOME said...

Oh Rossie, I am so happy to read this post. Sometimes I find myself trying to meet this standard of perfection set forth by a few of my friends (although I know they are not really perfect ;)) and I am nothing but miserable. Today, the house is a mess, but I smiled a lot more and kissed and higged a lot more, and our family is happier...much happier. Prayers for balance for both of us!

five4mommy said...

Rossie, I love your honesty and vulnrablity. Im sure a lot of Mommies can relate to this article, I know I do. I needed this reminder to find joy in the messes and training. To really be content and thankful for every moment. It makes me feel Im not alone when an amazing Mommy like you has trials like me and so many others. Alot of women look up to you and I think you are truly a wonderful Mom! Great Post!
Mandy