Grace

In Christian theology, grace has been defined as "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it"....thank goodness for the last part! We don't have to earn it! Whew! Grace by definition also means "simple elegance or refinement of movement".
I have felt less than par and certainly not graceful, at one point or another everyday, it seems, throughout the last few weeks. I have put on the kids the responsibility of being close to perfect just because I was short on patience. Just because MY emotions were on edge. Just because I was frustrated and angry about things beyond THEIR control. I find myself on my knees on a regular basis, asking God for His grace and forgiveness. I have had a short fuse and my temper at times has been nothing to be proud of!
:( Today, as I was sitting with the littlest ones, listening to one of our favorites, I realized that it's not about how many activities you do, or places you take them, what kind of food they eat or what they wear...it's all about your attitude! Is it joy-filled...is it grace-filled...is it happy?? I needed this contemplation today.

My kids and I do a lot of activities, try lots of Pinterest projects, and spend a lot of time at home. I am crafty by nature so we make lots of things. Some useful and some not. I am a lover of clean and organized...so we do that (often immediately undone and rarely successful but I still continue to try). And I have three children five and under and we homeschool. So most waking hours are spent making meals, doing laundry, sweeping up crumbs, changing diapers, wiping tears, kissing boo boos, and homeschooling. And this is what makes me happy. For a few weeks, I have been in a rut, and then something happened that got me right out of it. Usually it's a "me" rut and has absolutely nothing to do with the kids or my "job". And that is what it was this time, but the kids were definitely catching the short end from me!

The DVD that inspired all this thinking was Praise Baby...they love it, I love it and we sing and dance and worship, right here in the living room! :) This was Grady's introduction to it and he absolutely loved it! Ada, Grayson and I have danced to this music for 4 years!
Sometimes, in the smallest things, seemingly insignificant, God gives you a message. :) It's all about the attitude! Be a mom of grace. Be a joy-filled Mommy! We are called to do an amazing job!! I am thankful for this opportunity and this job that has been given to me. And I am thankful that God's grace continues to cover me, forgive me, and work on me. I am a work in progress! Thank Goodness! :)
Life with young children is a busy time, especially at Christmas. So remember, it's all about the attitude! :) Show those littles joy, peace, and grace. Oh, how I needed this lesson today! :)