Well, wow. I started this week with a picture of all the projects I was going to cross off my to do list and how neat my house would be...everything in its little place. That's what I pictured when I thought of a haven. But this week hasn't been like that. I haven't actually gotten much done at all - in fact, my house may actually be in worse shape than when I started.But maybe a neat house and completed projects aren't the only definition of a haven.
Christian's tantrums came to a head this week. He's not terribly vocal for a 3 year old...he can repeat anything we tell him to, he just isn't communicating much that way yet, and I know that frustrating for him. It's frustrating for me, too. Usually we handle the tantrum pretty quickly and move on but this week he and I have been caught in a tantrum spiral. He can't seem to stop himself from screaming and I can't seem to settle him down. It sure didn't seem like a haven around here with a screaming toddler, an edgy mom, and stressed kids. Looking at Christian, I kept thinking of the chapter Monica chose for this week - Psalm 107. He was very much "crying out in his trouble" - loudly! - and I could choose to try to repsond the way that God did, disciplining him for his own good and yet still bringing him out of his distress and blessing him. "They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." (Psalm 107:30). And at the same time, God is doing all of that and so much more for me! So now, while Christian naps quietly in his own bed, I do "give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men (and mommies and three year olds!)" (Psalm 107:31).
2 comments:
Awww, bless your heart! Raising littles is so very rough!
I love how you applied Psalm 107 to your "situation". I hope the rest of the evening is a little less rough.
Clorissa
Shannon-
It is so rough raising littles. They truly try our patience don't they. I always like to remind myself that God doesn't give me more than I can handle, even if at times I think he has. I think a Haven is not having a perfect house for God to be there, but to have a happy family and a peaceful home. A place where your family can find refuge from the world. Because when they come into your home they should feel God's love and that can only be when tension and stress is not there. That is what a Haven is to me, so I think you are doing a wonderful job. Remember to-do lists are great, but our children and their joy should come first. They are only this little once. We can never get it back. Enjoy it while you have it. These are things I try to remind myself:> I will keep you in my prayers. You are an amazing mom don't worry where ever you feel you lack,He has you covered. He will be there to help make up the difference.
-Danielle
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