How could this ridiculously adorable face bring me such frustration?

Very easily.

She is very good at it.

My struggle lately has been with Madeline. I don't know if she is teething or not getting good sleep at night or feeling neglected or any number of things that the mommy guilt is telling me I am doing wrong, but some days all I can do is sit and have a good cry. It truly does seem like 80% of Maddie's day involves her crying, screaming, or hanging onto my leg.

I have been struggling with my anger and I feel some days that my tolerance is so short. I find it hard to put into words exactly how I am feeling because it feels so awful to say these things about one of my children.

I have to constantly remind myself that God treasures little children, and even asks us to be like them (not the screaming kind, mind you). I need to remember that God has entrusted this child in my care because He wants me to bring Madeline up to know Him so that He would be glorified through her life. I know these times will pass, replaced by bigger, more complex struggles.

If I cannot be faithful in the small things, how can I be entrusted with bigger things?

But if I look at this situation as a calling that God has led me to I can have a totally different perspective. God has called me to this position of Motherhood, to glorify Him in my work.

Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him."

Comments

  1. MarySeptember 27, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Nichole, I could have totally written this post about Nora's behavior lately. She does have an ear infection, so I try to cut her some slack in my mind for that, but the whining feels like it's out of control! Thanks for sharing...I'll pray for you, you pray for me. :) Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ljwennSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Now you must realize that God undoubtedly gets just as frustrated with us, too! Hang in there. I had some strong-willed kids, too, and I know exactly what you are referring to. It keeps us on our knees, not just when they are little, but our entire lives!

    ReplyDelete
  3. nathan and rachelSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Oh Nichole:( I can totally relate...Layla has gone through this, too! True, she has gotten a little better, but I can still understand. Now I will know how to pray for you more specifically:) I appreciate your openness to post this! Love you! and I will be praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. T and MSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    wow, this is frustrating. I'll say a prayer for you. i love that you applied Col 3:17 to this...that is such a great verse to keep in mind during a challenging day at home ( :

    ReplyDelete

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