Today I expected too much of my children.
I swore in my head when my toddler dripped spaghetti,
and then I swore out loud when I dropped the keys in the dirt.
Today I rolled my eyes when a Thai woman asked to photo our {sweaty, tired} blonde family.
And then I smiled-plastic, and I faked it.
Today I grumbled of the trash-burning-smell and the always-sticky-heat.
Today I ate all the Rice Krispie treats that were supposed to be gifts, and then
I made my kids eat popcorn and carrots for dinner. And that’s all.
And I resented. And wallowed. And sunk-low.
And I stepped on little people’s feelings, and I clutched-tight my comfort and
my way.
Today was all grit and no glamor,
and I fell woefully short on every front.
And that is just the truth of it.
Had a day that needs some confessing yourself?
ALifeOverseas.com / LauraParkerBlog.com.
Destined Traveler.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for your honesty! I had a day like this earlier this week and you’re so right about sometimes just needing to own it, ask forgiveness, and know that the next day you will try to be better. Thank goodness we have Jesus who looks at us with love an patience and who helps us to be better.
Yesterday I was feeling “far too needed.” While trying to clean up the kitchen and administer baths and get this and that and everything else done, I turned around in my tiny little kitchen to find myself “blocked in” by the freezer door and a husband and a daughter wanting me to do more. And
I felt resentful. I decided that I would, ahem, “give myself some space” by leaving the scene. (More like fleeing the scene.) Instead of politely excusing myself, I impatiently stormed through them by ducking under the open freezer door. Of course, I stood up too soon and slammed my head on the open door, knocking myself to the ground and causing myself to literally see stars. Really. Still hurts today. All grit. No glamour. Talk about “Humble Pie.” Talk about God speaking loudly.
I think maybe by tomorrow I’ll be able to laugh about it.
OK, maybe the day AFTER tomorrow…
Your honesty truly sets you apart, Laura. Thank you so much for sharing your heart so completely. Love you, friend.
Thank you for your willingness to be so transparent. I’ve had many a day like yours. Just tonight at her bedtime, I apologized to my four-year-old daughter for being impatient and harsh.
On nights like these I cling to the promise in Lamentations — His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
Thanks again for your honesty. Your blog is such an encouragement to me!
Yes, Elizabeth, I love the “Morning brings another sun,” quote. Reminds me of that verse in Lamentations, too. Thank heavens that mornings offer us a “re-do”! Glad you are stopping by,
Laura
Heather, Um, that is a really funny story. A Really Really funny one. I am still laughing. Dang that freezer door! Love you and your bumped head, Laura
AnneMarie, Hey sweet lady! Thanks for commenting and thanks for the reminder that Jesus always forgives and always lets us start over. Definitely more needed some days than others! Hope you are doing well, friend. Can’t believe its been about 10 years since you were in the youth group! WOWsers. Love, Laura
Can’t tell you how many days I have had just. like. that. and the heat and humidity of the tropics only compounded it to be an even heavier weight.
Praying for you, that Christ will strengthen you for your day ahead. Praising him for you that his mercies are new every morning, that he DAILY loadeth us with benefits.
God bless you, not just today, but everyday following…
Sharon recently posted..Attempted Murder
You mean we’re not supposed to act like that every day? Seriously, I have days like that and then feel even worse when I replay them in my head before I go to sleep. So glad we serve a god of mercy. Thanks for writing – makes me feel better about myself!
kendal recently posted..five simple sentences
Hey Laura. I love that you can be so honest! I wish I’d been able to be so honest with my friends when I was your age…..I always felt like I was the only mother who struggled with the day to day challenges of motherhood. Confession brings healing and hope! Your vulnerability encourages other Moms to be vulnerable, and so each one helps the other turn to the Lord, who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Keep it up! The Lord delights in you!
Um, yes. A day that needs confessing.
Yesterday my mouth got the better of me at work. Sarcasm seeped from everything I said.
Ugly, ugly.
Amy Sullivan recently posted..The Shirtless Dancing Guy
Thanks, guys. As you can probably tell, internet that is literally slower than dial-up makes me respond in comments in bulk. Having said that, thank you Amy, Mary Lee, Kendal, and Sharon, for taking the time to comment. And identify. And encourage. And offer grace. Feels much better that I am not walking it alone. Much, Much better.
Love, Laura
Yes. Have had days that needed WEEKS of confession and self-flogging.
And guess what? I was – AND YOU ARE – loved in and through and around all of it.
Hugs to you . . . cool, dry, Colorado ones are coming to you!