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January 19, 2006
happy heart
Since Dana (3 1/2) was tiny, I've been trying to teach him about the importance of having a happy heart even when he doesn't like something. Oftentimes, he says that he doesn't feel happy and that's when I tell him to pray to God and ask God to give Dana a happy heart.
Anyway, this morning I think that I could use a little bit of my own advice. I have legitimately had some of my hardest days as a mama. I'll spare you any more details. The point is that I've been a pitiful whiner about it and I really need some perspective. When I vent to other adults, people say, "Oh, honey it just gets worse. You don't have teenagers yet." Or they say, "Hang in there. It'll get better." I've said both of these things to other people.
I think the real point of all of this (meaning this life, being a mom, being a wife, etc.) is about what you do when things get ugly. Does it really matter if my circumstances are going to get better or worse? The state of my heart, happy or despairing, should really be independent of all of this crud.
So now I'm going to try to take my own advice and ask God to fill me up with real joy, the happy heart I preach about to Dana so often. It's amazing what hypocrites parents like me can be. Someday I'm sure Dana will be happy to tell me all about it and I wish I could say that I would be able to humbly agree with him.
| By Karen | 09:45 AM
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Comments
good words.
Posted by: stelmodad at January 19, 2006 10:22 AM
I hear you Karen! As Bob left this morning I was pouting, whining, hating that I had to face today. Being wiped out and sick with sick kid, its just not fun. But I kept on being reminded today of how I'm living in the flesh and not by the spirit. I turned on the radio and they were talking about that. Its so hard to not live by what my body/mind is screaming...will you please stop crying/whining/needing me every second?!?! Anyway, thanks for your post.
Posted by: michellew at January 19, 2006 04:08 PM
Excellent point. My experience is that things do get better on some fronts and they get worse on others. So I think you're right. It's best to learn to deal with it instead of waiting for it to go away. :-)
Posted by: donna phillips at January 22, 2006 12:09 AM