I am learning that the effort is so worth it. I want to get a big painted sign to hang in my kitchen that reads "Choose Joy" so that on those mornings when I feel ready to explode I can read my simple reminder. I am learning that the craziness of our morning routine is largely due to my reaction to any given situation. Lack of sleep and strong desire for coffee also lend themselves to my demise in the morning. Working on the sleep, love the coffee too much to give it up.
Some days you will actually hear me walking around muttering "choose joy" "choose joy" "choose joy". I think, more than anything, it causes me to pause a moment and distract myself from the situation. Then I can better assess the moment and give a more appropriate response. Do I always do this? Umm, no, but when I do, I see a difference.
More often than not, I feel that there is much too much tension in our home. For us, this stems from too much TV, too much foods that are unhealthy for us, not enough outside play, and my biggie, a messy house. When all of these things occur they seem to occur at the same time and it's never good. I have a hard time choosing joy in moments when I am stepping over the 10th pile of laundry or when I see my ADHD son grab a snack that I know will spark a sugar induced fit. But, when I am better at planning my moments, my day seems to smooth out a little better and choosing joy is not so hard.
At this very moment, our TV is off, my children enjoyed after school snacks of fresh fruit, and homework was completed without tears. My daughter needs a little extra help in math so I bought a homeschool workbook and we are doing some homeschool math after school. She is doing so well! I love seeing little light bulbs go off in her head. My son is working in an old math workbook just for fun. He didn't want his sister to feel alone in doing math.
In the moment, it is simple for me to choose joy. At bedtime it may be a different story, but for now, I seek the joy filled moments of this time. I savor the laughs of my children. I look forward to serving them a healthy meal before we jet off to take my girl to dance class. I smile in these moments and choose joy.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2 comments:
Thank you for the post choose Joy, I came across it today. Sometimes, I just hit next blog and read what comes up.
I think it was ment for me to read this today.
Do not over extend yourself. Parents today are often too attentive to their children. Take the time to recharge by identifying what gives you energy then make sure that is in your life on a daily basis. ADD is tough. My son has finally gotten on top of most of that (40) and he is now becomming a pleasant part of my life. Also, plan your tasks by putting things down on paper and then refine the schedule until it is as basic as possible but, in general, stick to the plan to reduce tension. Remember, even Jesus needed time to himself.
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