With my wife being out of town the last couple days (right on the heels of me being out of town a couple of days) our kids are particularly on edge. The nearly-6-year-old has a tooth about ready to come out (her first) and she's nervous as can be about that. The nearly-four-year-old has been in a cycle of tantrums lately and had a great one this morning over putting her tights on - then when I asked if she needed help, she refused to say please so I explained I wouldn't help her until she did. An hour later she finally said please (as I was telling her I would put here in the car with no pants or dress on). If that is a parenting "victory" it was a hollow one as best.
Through the whole experience I remained surprisingly (to me) calm. I haven't been sleeping well as I've been battling just a touch of a cold. Generally I take things like this personally, but somehow I remained calm. Yes, I raised my voice at times, but I didn't lose control (at least I didn't think so, and my daughters didn't cry which is their usual response when I've lost control in the past).
As I drove them to school and lovingly sent them each off, I couldn't help but reflect on the calm that seemed to fill my heart despite the stressful morning. Near as I can figure, prayer must work and someone must be praying for me to be patient with my daughters and for me to take things in stride.
Car time is good time for me and God (I still love the imagery from the quickly-canceled TV Show "The Book of Daniel" where Daniel and Jesus ride in the car together and have great conversations). This morning I kept thinking about how God has blessed me in so many ways and how despite MY best efforts, it was God that worked through me this morning to get my girls (and me) out the door and where we all needed to be on time this morning (I have GREAT adoration for single parent families).
All of this leads to my scripture reflection this morning. Not so much what I got out of a reading assigned for the day, but a reading I needed to go to for comfort and peace in a turbulent time. Afterall, isn't that one of the uses of scripture?
Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
