Tonight the Mommy Monster reared her wrinkly hagard face and scared the kids not to mention the cute dad who really hadn't done a thing wrong. As I threw the book of stories about Jesus at Jess and stomped up stairs to feed the baby like a martyr there was a little part of me asking "How old are you?" Toddler? Preschooler at best. I did eventually apologize for being so weird, and tonight as I opened up Marjorie Hinckley's book called "Glimpses" I turned to this:
"There is something about spirituality that is central to the life of a woman .
I do not mean the kind of spirituality that only takes you to church on Sunday. Sitting in church will not necessarily make you into a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you into a car. I am talking about the kind of spirituality that makes you behave like a child of God.
I am talking about the kind of spirituality that makes you loving an grateful, and forgiving, and patient, and gentle, and longsuffering iwth that roommate who drops her clothes on the closet floor and who never, no never, does her share of the cooking and cleaning and who beat you to the boyfriend.
I am talking about the kind of spirituality that compels you to get in touch with your Heavenly Father every single day of your life."
She was talking to a younger group of women, but the principle is the same. I behaved badly tonight and just after I had there was a moment where I was back in control and knew I was sorely in the wrong, but I still choose to stomp up those last few stairs, instead of modeling good behavior for our kids and choosing their feelings over my own.
We have a new rule in our family. I can't remember if I've already talked about this or not. Anyhow, it's called something really fancy: "RULE #1" and it's to be kind and respectful to everyone in our family. It's been great for me, for when I lose my temper, I stop, tell the kids I broke our family rule, apologize and start again in a more respectful way.
Truth be told I started doing this a few weeks ago, and it really was having a good influence on me and the kids (Jess is already good at being patient and kind) but, this week I forgot all about it. So, I vow to start again this week, I love what Sister Hinckley said about being "longsuffering, gentle, and patient" even when people's actions don't necessarily merit it. I'm excited to work on this during this new week. When Mommy's happy it brings a happy spirit in the home, I know this. So, get away Mommy Monster, you've been banished!
9 comments:
I love the quote and I love you. Hang in there!
I recently had a moment like this. I couldn't lose the feeling that was swelling up inside of me and I didn't like it so I decided to put on some music... something uplifting. I went to my "church" folder on my computer and had it start playing random songs.
Like you, I was humbled by some sweet and simple words...
The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is GENTLE and HUMAN,
To CHEER and to BLESS in humanity’s name.
I knew that at that moment, there was nothing gentle about me and there wasn't anyone involved that was feeling cheery or blessed. haha.
I know that I will have moments like this again, but I hope that I can more often remember these words before I let it go too far.
We'll have to remind each other!
Love ya!
Oh, Stephanie! I think you were writing about me! Be grateful to know what you know and believe what you do so that you can change your heart so quickly.
I love reading your posts.
GREAT POST! I love how you are so real and easy to relate with. Thanks again for a great message!
Thanks! I needed that. I'm glad I'm not the only crazy mommy monster out there.
SO been there, several times! I feel like monster Mommy is around alot more as I have grown uncomfortable with this belly of mine. I keep saying after the baby is out it'll be better, but maybe I need to heed those words you read now! Before it's too late! I too have been turning to music like Christy and have a few humbling experiences apologizing to my kids. That can be so gut wrenching. Vienna asked me if I would please never be mad at her again. So sweet.
Love the post, thanks for the perspective!
Happy Birthday Mommy Monster! (sorry I'm a few days late)
I love this. I needed to hear this too. I haven't been doing so well on the patience and lonsuffering myself. You're not alone! You're an inspiration to me!
The Mommy Monster had a visit at my house the other day, some days are so hard! Thanks for the great quote and for letting us all know that we are not the only ones that loose it sometimes, there is something very reassuring about knowing others have those days too!
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