I started this post before the Holiday weekend, slowly, as an outlet that was desperately needed for my frustration and clarity. I was a little M.I.A on the social media/blogging front last week because honestly, I just didn’t feel like it. The week was busy and life just gets crazy sometimes, and I was frustrated and exhausted. Don’t we all get that way sometimes?!
I don’t know if it is because it is Summer and all I WANT to do is go to the beach or the pool or the lake or for heaven’s sake eat lunch in public with my family without one of my toddlers freaking out. It’s been a struggle lately with 2 fiesty boys under 3, and last week got me down. And of course the desire to have all those lovely picture perfect moments with my boys doesn’t help. Parenting is hard. And it weighs on us emotionally and physically, every single day. Some days much more than others. Being a parent and entrusted to raise these little ones is honestly the most wonderful blessing and greatest honor in the world. But most blessings come with their trials and struggles.
Like most moms, I love my boys more than anything in the entire world and am constantly talking to my husband, myself, my friends, and even strangers about how stinking cute they are. (I know, moms can be so annoying.) I am so incredibly grateful they are mine. But then there are “those moments”. Many of you moms know “those moments”. They are the moments that you are deeply frustrated, discouraged, and maybe even scare yourself with impatience, your own attitude, or reaction to your children.
Lately, my youngest, Grayson, who is almost 18 months, has been throwing these random tantrums where he literally throws his body all over the place, for seemingly no reason. He won’t let me hold him and when I try to give him anything, like a snack or toy, he either swats at it or takes it and throws it. It’s seriously some of the craziest behavior I have ever seen. The most frustrating thing about it is that I can’t console him.
It’s a phase. This too, shall pass. Like everyone says. Literally, everyone. And yes, this is all true, but does not seem to help in the heat of the moment or “tantrum”. Our children are little people of their own and we can guide them and love them as hard as we can, but ultimately, the Lord has full control over them. And as hard as it seems, that is the most comforting and encouraging truth we can cling to.
We cannot allow our feelings to take over due to a moment. Too often, I allow my “feelings” to change my attitude and put me down, when I know that one minute I can feel lonely and discouraged and literally 2 minutes later feel like the most loved person on the planet. Life is HARD. It is a STRUGGLE sometimes. But we are NOT in this alone. All we need to do is depend on him for our patience and strength and unconditional love. I cannot be a mom without him and most definitely would not be a mom without Him. So when it gets tough, I pray. I pray specifically for God to give me grace for my children, just as he has given me, and give me more love that surpasses the frustration and the discouragement. I pray that he calms my children and helps them express their frustration differently. Help me to find ways to soothe them. Help me, because I cannot do it alone.
God tells us he will grant our wishes and be with us, all we have to do it ASK. It’s as simple as that, and sometimes I am just too dang selfish and busy to stop and ask him. Sometimes I am so frustrated and discouraged in a single season or situation. But I need to remember that our response to our struggles will reveal where our hope is. The Lord is with us through it all. So, I wrote this post as an outlet to put these words of encouragement to myself and to any other moms out there that might feel this way (I know I am not alone). And I write these words as a reminder to myself over and over again to give and receive. Give and receive grace. Give and receive love. Because in the end, it is ALL worth it and after all…this is just a phase. In 5 minutes, these little terrors will be the sweetest, cutest, cuddly little angels.
Yesterday, (after I had written this post) we found out about a dear friend’s child who is suffering from a head injury from a fall. These sweet friends are living every parent’s worst nightmare. Please pray for them as Annie heals and fights! Pray that this family has strength and hope through this tough time and pray that they get their sweet, angel back soon!
I look up to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven & Earth.
{psalm 121}
After having a “bad week” over temper tantrums, this will really put things in to perspective and make you embrace those tantrums and be thankful that they are expressing themselves as they can. We protect them from everything we physically can, in the best way we know how. We love these children for who they are and no matter what, THAT is ALL that matters.
Happy Eve of the 4th! Hug those little ones EXTRA tight and enjoy each and every day- the sweet moments, the tough moments, and even the tantrums.
