An appointment this morning with Beth's rheumatologist, four kids in tow, then later a trip to the pet store for supplies, four kids in tow, followed by a little one's nap in my arms in the easy chair (a wonderful prayer time for me), along with visits from Lexi...all together ending in Momma being seriously behind on chores and starting dinner.
Nothing frazzles me more than stuff on the floor, stuff on the counter, stuff on the dining-room table, laundry needing shuffling, kids asking can I do this or that, or have him or her over, and dinner? Not even started.
It's not uncommon for me to throw my hands up toward the heavens on such days and say to the kids, "Can't you see I'm a little overwhelmed?!"
I've learned to delegate and diffuse the time bomb inside of me, by asking them to put away everything that's on the floor, and to fold whatever is their's from the pile, before they start asking for time-consuming activities or to have friends over to play.
Optimally scheduling errands helps prevent overload too (like not on an appointment day), but some errands come up suddenly. Such is life. I get behind.
My task as a Christian mother? Let the Spirit calm me so I can be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. I believe if we ask for a Spirit filling--or whatever you want to call it--with a pure heart, wanting to live God's will, peace will be granted unto us.
A stash of scripture cards ready-made is just the medicine we need on these days, along with our prayers.
Try these?
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Cast your anxieties on him, for he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything. (Philippians 4:5-6)
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Just the fact that a disordered house bothers so many is testimony to this: Our minds were created for order. Still, we needn't fall apart in the chaos.
~ Pray for peace
~ Delegate chores
~ Recite verses
Families should work together. It bonds, teaches, brings harmony.
Side Note: Our new hamster is recovering from whatever mishap befell her. Suspecting a girl, Peter named her Rebecca or Becky. I predict a full recovery within a week. Last night she stood straight up and climbed the cage. We are still praying.
I gave thanks to God and looked into Peter's eyes. "Do you realize how miraculous her recovery is, Peter?" I don't think he did at first. Peter needs instances like this, in which God clearly and miraculously answered a prayer, to look back on in times of turmoil.
We should all record these answers for ourselves and for future generations of our family to feast on, yes? What a gift that would be!
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
4 comments:
Take care Christine. I also feel overwhelmed when I get behind, especially in these days of sports and school and back to school meetings. I am also trying to delegate to the kids more, especially if they want the neighbor boys to come over. Getting the kids to pitch in works wonders, of course that doesn't make errands easier. Praying for you always my friend.
Thank you for your prayers, sweet Margie. I appreciate you!
Those are the nights when we have cereal for dinner!
Oh, I wish I could get away with that, Terra. :) My husband loves food too much...likes meat at every meal. He does go get the $5 hot n'ready pizza for me when it's been a really bad day though.
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