"I Don't Like the Sauce."

Sometimes, my children complain. Last night at dinner, my daughter expressed her opinion about the spaghetti sauce on her plate. I leaned in and taking her face in my hands, I gently reminded her of our conversation earlier in the day about how we need to be thankful for food to fill our tummies. We talked about how even food that we don't enjoy eating is better than none at all. Thinking back to her struggle with the sauce I thought about all the other food items on her plate that she really enjoyed. It was convicting to me that I can look at a "plate" full of "food" and yet complain. There are days that I wish that my plate were not as full. But when I take a step back and think of all that would have to happen for the plate to empty, I reconsider. I am humbled that My Father thinks that I can handle all that He has dished up for me. I am thankful for each hug, each "Mommy, I need. . . ," and each opportunity to create relationship with my husband and children. I am again thankful that God is willing to keep teaching me. I am thankful that He uses the little tools in His tool box. Today, I will be thankful for the things that fill my plate and consider that without them, my life would be very empty indeed.

Walls

I struggle with getting angry at my children. I think that the real root, is my own selfishness and impatience. Last year at the end of the school year, we worked on memorizing several verses about controlling our spirits. One verse talked about how an angry man is like a city without walls. We talked, of course, about how in ancient times walls were a means of protection. That Proverb then says that an angry man who isn't showing self control leaves himself open to attack. Meditating on this verse, I also remembered the Proverb that says that a wise woman builds her house, but the foolish woman tears hers down with her hands. It was like I was seeing my family as a ruined city without walls. It seems as if my anger has the ability to leave my family open to the attacks of the enemy, but I can partner with God in protecting them if I submit to the Holy Spirit so that He can control my spirit and help me to be a wise woman who build up the walls of my house. I desire to be like Nehemiah and be a wall builder who is busy protecting the hearts and faiths of my precious children and husband. Lord, Please keep my tongue from evil. Help me to speak grace and kindness into the lives of my children and husband. Help me to smile at and delight in them. Please replace my sinful anger with Your joy.