I Need To Say A Prayer Mom

Dear Kids,

About two days ago, we had one of those "moments" during dinner.

It was Gabe's night to set the table. He likes things, shall we say, JUST SO. He loves to set the table really nice, really fancy with goblets and perfectly folded napkins.

Well, I was trying to micromanage him too much and tell him what to do. He got upset with me about it. He was trying to tell the kids to stay away from the table until everything was ready and perfect. They got upset with him about it. Talia was trying to "help" Joshua (but in reality just laying on him and mauling him). He got upset with her about it. Elijah was antagonizing Gabe going back and forth from the table... You get the picture. Everyone was getting upset with everyone else about everything!

I had a bit of a blow up at one point and got really upset and told everyone to be quiet. After the initial "pause-because-mom-got-really-mad" moment, Gabe looked at me and said, "I need to go say a prayer mom."

He promptly left the room.

Came back a few minutes later a completely changed little boy. My heart was changed while he was gone because I realized how much I needed God's help to calm down. And the other kids automatically calmed down once my heart was right. Words of a blessing Brent gave me just this last Sunday came back... "there will be peace in your home, as long as their is peace in your heart."

Sometimes I get a little butt-hurt about the fact that mom ALWAYS has to keep her peace and cool in order for everything else to run smoothly. I mean, can't we catch a break and just have a bad day without it affecting everyone else?? But then I get over myself and realized that I am not a victim in this role of motherhood, I CHOOSE to be here. So... peace in my heart is what it shall be. Deep breath and center myself, and keep going.

Back to the story, Gabe came back. He finished setting the table and we ended up having a really nice meal together (Brent missed all the drama and came in when everything was happy-go-lucky again... of course. He always misses the good stuff).

So kids... remember Gabe's example of "I need to say a prayer", because I know that God will send angels to soften your hearts, to help you in that moment, to show you the better way, and to calm you down and give you peace in your heart, that you can then give to others.

I love you,

Your Mom