Ahhh, finally, a chance to sit down and be still. The responsibilities of the day are over. Our three children are tucked in bed...what is that sound? Could it be? No, please!!!
My first thought..."Well, it was good while it lasted!" and I got up out of my chair.
Yes, that would be a good way to sum up the day! "It was good while it lasted...if you know what 'It' you are referring to at the moment." Of course, what I have to deal with would make perfect sense for this day's end! Let's see...what happened again? Oh yes...it started with school...
I had a couple students pulling some unapproved and frowned upon stunts. I discovered that I was missing a couple things and found a whole pile of memorabilia. Our child, who fills the fourth chair at our table, seems to being going through a difficult phase of nesting. Some may call it hoarding. I call it mess-making. After cleaning up and clearing out, we have once again established what we are to do in the schoolroom. Poor girl...it was good while it lasted though!?
While wearing the teacher hat, I was unable to wear my policeman hat. The boy, who occupies the fifth chair at our table, finished his work and was given time to play. He must have gotten hungry and helped himself to several treats that were given over the last few days. I noticed the bits of foil and crumbs on the table when I came up to don my chef hat. I always adore the looks of feigned innocence...remember, I don't have stupid written on my forehead. Well, after falling into a sound sleep tonight...after a yummy supper of homemade pizza, my innocent and sleepy boy...got rid of all the extra sugar that his system cannot handle...all over the floor...next to the toilet. I will spare you the details...other than to say...the bathroom got a good cleaning from the boy's height...down. Which I thankfully finished...just in time to clean up his bed, towel, sheet, and bucket. I hope it was good while it lasted...because I doubt he will remember much about the outcome of his poor choices.
And...so here I sit...wrapped up in a blanket in the livingroom...waiting for "the cough" that signals the start of round three. The quiet time of the above picture is past...enjoying the company of my husband and fuzzy white dog. It was good while it lasted. Now everyone is tucked in bed asleep...the washer is finishing its humble task...and I have some time to blog. I will admit...several parts of this day were not fun for me. I couldn't be everywhere all at once making sure everyone was on the right track.
But those things that were done in secret...and were good while they lasted...were made known!
As I chatted with one of today's offenders, I said, "The Bible says...Be sure your sin will find you out. It always does...sooner or later." There was animated surprise on her face, "How did you know that verse? It was our verse in Sunday School last week!" I just stopped...I smiled at her response...I couldn't help it. Our children are seeing our consistency...which comes at a price sometimes. We are doing our best to live like we were "bought with a price...therefore glorify God in your body and spirit...which are God's...and ye are not your own." We learned this many years ago in our homes and church. We ought to be living like that in our home and church...and everywhere else we go!
Church should support what we are teaching at home...and home should be able practice what taught in church...both operating from the
truth of God's Word!
One of the most helpful things...memorizing Scripture...so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind when you are tempted to do wrong! How I love Psalm 119! Parents, we don't have to do this all on our own! There is help for us when we feel helpless, but...often...our Bible is covered with dust and junk mail.
"I learned that verse many years ago...and it is still true today! God's Word is there to help us know what is right...we have to choose to obey...every moment of every day in every situation. It is not just a verse for kids...it is for adults too!" I told my fourth chair filler.
Even though today was "one of the hard ones", I am thankful for the teachable moments and the understanding that washes over each face. They know Mom isn't perfect and has rough days too, and they are forgiving toward me. It is good for them to see Mom have to put to practice the same thing!
I want our children to remember their childhood as being filled with love, forgiveness, fun, challenge, and much learning. I want us to be able to look back...with no regrets...and say, "It was good while it lasted...but look what God is doing now!"
**We passed the hour mark...I may be able to rest now...after a false alarm. How fast can you jump out of your propped up recliner and unwrap yourself from a blanket while trying not to drop the computer to reach the bedroom before the bucket is misused? Are you graceful? Are you able to do it quietly? Just wondering...**
