stand firm

Some days it's so hard to be the peace keeper and sweet, calm presence in our home, like I believe the Lord has called me to be.

Today has been one of those days. Babylove has been sick for several days now, with diarrhea and just not feeling well. Yesterday, we were supposed to leave for a weekend in Branson, but decided not to since he was still not himself. About 5 pm yesterday afternoon, he started having green gloop in his eyes, and woke up this morning with both eyes matted shut. He has also been running fever for about 36 hours now. All that said, we took him to the walk-in clinic this morning, and after waiting for 2.5 hours found out that he not only has double pinkeye, but has an ear infection as well as most likely still a touch of the stomach bug. Whew! He has been quite the trooper but, as most sick one year olds are, very demanding and screaming more often than not screaming. Add that to a mommy who is still on antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection myself as well as in the middle of my monthly 10 days of hormones that can bring on fatigue all by themselves, and a Hubs who is running fever and probably has an upper respiratory infection himself, and well... you have one very tired, very exasperated momma.

How do we stand firm as ladies of grace in these situations? How do I speak love and kindness to my husband when I am so exhausted and emotional and cranky? How do I temper my words and touch with love to my sweet one who is sick and overly tired and needs to take a nap? How do I let the Spirit lead all my words and actions when I am just simply completely exhausted and miserable myself?

Maybe this comes naturally to some people, but it's definitely not an easy task for me.

Well, I want to share something I'm reading in a book called Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide To Finding Contentment by Linda Dillow.

The Proverbs 31 woman was not controlled by her circumstances and the demands of her family, her household, or her home business. She was the ruler of her attitudes, her time, and her schedule. Her relationship with God was central. All that she became was a result of her yielding to His sovereign control. She allowed Him to place His brushstrokes on the canvas of her life. But she also chose to rule her appearance, her mouth, and her activities.

This reminded me tonight that it is a choice to be graceful and kind in all my actions and words. It is a choice to be the peacekeeper and sweet presence in the home that God has called me to be. Together with the Lord's help, I can rule over my attitude and emotions.

Just some food for thought tonight. I'm off to choose and cultivate kindness, gentleness, patience, and self-control. As well as hopefully, some sleep.