Failed

Yesterday we spent the day with Mike's family celebrating Christmas, hanging out, and having a good time. We got home rather late so I didn't get everyones church clothes ready. WHY do I do that??? For some reason I can't remember until Saturday that three kids need church shoes, 1 boy needs church pants that are long enough, and the girls ned new tights. I find myself every Sunday morning doing my best to make everyone looks neat but instead I end up with 4 ragamuffins. Terrible.

Well, this morning was like every other Sunday. Things were going along well until it came time to get dressed. Abigail's tights were missing, Ethan's pants were way too short, Ethan's sweater was way too big and sloppy looking, and Blake's pants just weren't a good fit and had a hole in the thigh area. It was getting close to being time to leaving and I was feeling terrible because we were visiting a new church and I wanted to make a good first impression.

My emotions were building up as I was thinking Abigail was partly to blame for not putting her tights back in the right spot and for always shoving clothes into her closet without folding them nicely. In my frustration and panic I started snapping at Abigail, reminding her that she needs to put things back where they go and not be so messy. It only lasted a minute but VERY quickly in my mind the Holy Spirit said to me, "Parents, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21." Immediately God reminded me that my words and actions are forming these little kids and that I need to get a grip on myself. I love them and I want them to grow to serve the Lord. I don't want to ruin their Sunday morning (or their life) just because I'm frustrated.

As quickly as the frustration came, it was also gone. I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit to speak to us and get us under control.