There is nothing like just normal life experience that teaches how to be non-judgmental, forgiving, and perhaps one day realize self mastery. There are so many things that happen throughout my day, that if someone on the outside were to just peek in for a moment, they would have no idea the culmination of all the emotions that are possible on a daily basis.
Like if someone peeked in to my car this afternoon to see the mess there. All the crumbs, wrappers, blankets, snacks, movies... but little do they know that we took a five hour trip this morning and I have not had a chance to clean it up yet.
Or if someone peeked in at me tonight while I was tickling my kids. I was running around, tickling and laughing while getting ready for bed. They might think I have all the patience in the world and I am the ultimate fun mom. Little do they know that I lost it about 45 minutes later because the fun led to being too crazy, which led to kids not really listening to me, which led to totally disobeying me, which led to ignoring me while I repeated myself over and over again, which led to me completely losing my temper.
Or if someone peeked in at me while I was losing my temper. They might think that I am just an angry person and I need to "get it together". But little do they know that I just dropped off my husband at the airport to be gone on a trip for a couple of weeks, that he has been out of town more than he has been in town since the beginning of the year, and I am trying to gear myself up to be a single mom again for a little while. That more than losing my anger with my kids, my emotions all piled up together in one moment and I took it out on the people that I hold most dear.
Or if someone peeked in at me tonight while I knelt down to pray. They might assume that I am just praying out of 'blind obedience' when in reality prayers are what get me through my life. I can't live if I don't pray. I can't feel if I don't pray. I can't handle anything without a divine connection to my Lord.
Or if someone saw Gabriel come out of his bedroom tonight while I am sitting here at the computer and heard him say, "Mom, I am so sorry I didn't obey you. I really, really love you." And in that moment I was able to gather him up in my arms and hold him for some tender minutes while our hearts connected. They might think our relationship is easy. They might have no idea that he never cuddles with me and anytime he comes to me and allows me to really cuddle with him is a huge treat.
You get the point... There are so many little moments in life that are like domino effects and one thing leads to another. Everyday is a little 'mini' life in and of itself. And every single person has their own life to live and own experiences to have.
So when you are the "Someone Peeking In" during the middle of someone's day and life experiences, just remember to pray a little bit first so you can see them the way God sees them. If you see someone in the mall and they are being snappy with their kids, maybe have a little sympathy because perhaps they are the parent who just lost a business, is getting sued, lost a loved one, or trying to make it through a divorce. If you see someone who constantly looks like their life is all "together", maybe they have worked really hard to get to that point, maybe they have done so much inner work to get to the point of complete patience and capability, or maybe they are just having a really good day... and we all deserve to give ourselves a pat on the back when we are having those really good days. When someone might peak in and see us doing everything right. We can pat ourselves on the back and say, "I really AM doing great!"
Then go to bed, pray your guts out, and get up again the next day and see what adventure life is going to throw at you next.
I love you,
Your Mom
Well said!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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