Thoughts between Loads of Laundry

   Let's face it motherhood is a thankless job.  If you were to work a similar job outside the home under the same conditions how long would you tolerate it?  A day? A week?  Some days your employees (your children) are insubordinate.  They willfully disobey you and then try to pass the blame to a fellow employee, manipulate you by appealing to your sympathies, or have the audacity to challenge your authority.  To an outsider, it would appear they are trying to undermine you.  You work so hard at your tasks, and then they sabotage your efforts by their careless actions.  A mopped floor shows the tracks of muddy shoes minutes after it dries.  A load of laundry is ruined due to a rogue crayon in the pockets.   Cleaned window panes display sticky fingers.  What a hostile work environment!  And as the manager you have no firing power.  Talk about a good union.
    If my twenty-one year old self  were to look at her thirty-five year old self, as Scrooge was able to look at what lay ahead in his lifetime, she may be pleading to the Ghost of Christmas future, "I'm sorry! What must I do to make amends!"  But thank goodness every minute of motherhood is not punishing.  For one thing my children are full of pleasant surprises.  My two year old is very into grooming.  She loves combing her hair, brushing her teeth, putting on deodorant (on her belly), and as I discovered his morning washing her hands in the bathtub.  My son is infinitely considerate.  Yesterday after receiving a belated birthday present from his grandmother, he offered to give it to his slightly older sister who was feeling a little left out.  Then my oldest is ever obedient.  She is always helpful and rarely complains when asked to pitch in.
     Those times when our children are difficult, I wonder how often I try my heavenly father's patience.  He poured out just enough grace to me so that even though I was a sinner, he loved me and made me one of his own (Rom 5:8, Eph. 1:5).  As a Christian, I know how I should behave, but like a stubborn child, at times I  want my will for my way rather than my loving father's will (Eze. 36:26; Jere. 29:11).  The only way to understand the plans He has in store for us is to talk to him. I am continually amazed at God's willingness to reveal himself to me. Despite my circumstances, in good and bad, the Lord is with me (Psalm 139).  But we have to seek Him and constantly work to better the lines of communication with God and deepen our relationship with Him.