These babies.
I don’t know how I got so dang lucky, but I’m their momma.
For a lot of years, I’ve adopted the “snarky mom” attitude.
Because kids can be difficult, and humor makes difficult things easier. Not
long ago, I realized that I may be going about it the wrong way. Now make no
mistake, kids are rascals, and parenting them is hysterically funny, but I
think being snarky all the time took away some of the gentleness and grace I’m
supposed to show them as their mother. You know, the one who teaches them how
to nurture and be good moms and dads.
Y’all, if you know me, have read any of my Facebook status
updates, or any of my blogs, I think it’s evident that I try to keep a sense of
humor. But what if we take it a little too far, and our sarcasm is mistaken for
true feelings? Science tells us that
kids understand sarcasm when they’re around six years old, but they don’t get
that it’s supposed to be funny until they’re about ten. So, basically our kids
are miniature Sheldon Coopers until fifth grade.
God recently showed up in my heart in a huge way, and part
of the metamorphosis has been in the way I speak to my kids. Now, they, my
husband, and I will all tell you that I’m NOT perfect at this, but I am trying.
Speaking gently, using words that build up instead of tear down, and getting
rid of sarcasm, are all part of the plan. I want the words I say to encourage
and inspire, not weigh down and discourage. I’m also trying to let my actions
reflect my words as well; frequent hugs, gentle pats on the back, etc. to let
them know I’m there for them.
While we were at Sweet Berry, I had one of those Magic Mommy
Moments. You know the ones. Where you look at your family and say to yourself
“This. This is what I thought motherhood would be like. This is it!” Kids were running through strawberry fields,
and petting goats, and buying local honey. It was picturesque and beautiful;
nobody threw a fit.
It was easy to be a
sweet, gentle mom that day.
I looked at Mak and saw how tall she was, and was reminded
how there are mere weeks of elementary school left before the chaos of middle
school.
P, with his face full of freckles, demonstrated leadership
and confidence by helping G with strawberry picking and carrying heavy buckets.
G. Sweet G. She called herself the Strawberry Princess all
day long. She was muddy within five minutes of our arrival, and her pigtails
were crooked. Not exactly princess-like. Oh, to be three!
When I think of the dwindling years I have left to mother
them, I’m both terrified and encouraged. There’s still time, but oh man, it
doesn’t feel like enough! Mak is past the halfway mark, and P is just approaching
it. How am I supposed to fit in all the hugs, kisses, lessons, and love? How do
I make each day count and not take it all for granted? If someone has the
magical answers for me, I would LOVE to know!
All I can do is sit back, thank God for them, pray I
don’t screw up too badly, (Dear God, please keep them out of jail and off the
pole. Amen.) and that I extend Christ-like grace to them when they make
mistakes, just like my Heavenly Father does for me.
These precious gifts from God deserve more than a snarky
comment and a harsh word. They deserve to be shown the same love and respect I
show the rest of the world. So, while I won’t be perfect, I promise to try.
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