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Tuesday

As much as we were able to accomplish a lot yesterday with our deep cleaning, it was not without a price.

I spent most of the day in a battle with my beloved seventh grader.

We're talking B.A.T.T.L.E.

This kid knows how to push my buttons. And I let him. I was exhausted by the end of the day, which made me be 'not-so-perfect-wife' for the evening, and eventually led to an hour and half cry-fest in bed with my sweet husband - who spoke the following truths to me:

  1. I need to trust God with said seventh grader.
  2. Even if said seventh grader made tons of bad choices and all my worst fears came true - God is bigger than that and could rescue him.
  3. God LOVES my seventh grader - even when I feel like I don't have it in me.
  4. Even if I feel totally inadaquate, I AM adaquate because God has equipped me for this job.
  5. I can pray. All day long. I can pray. All day long.
  6. God chose all three of these kids just for me. Just for me.
  7. I'm forgiven. Beating myself up doesn't really accomplish anything.
  8. In my weakness, God is strong.
  9. The seventh grader is a great kid. Really. He is.
  10. God never gives us more than we can handle. I can do this.

Summer feels inordinately long at this point. But I'm encouraged. And I'm trying hard to speak these truths to myself.

Happy Tuesday, friends.

Comments

  1. Anonymous12:01 PM

    Tell Asia thanks for the reminders I will use them when my two (17 and 20) frustrate me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Hey friend -
    You are super mom with cracks...which makes you perfect for your children.
    I found that jr. high was not a time to draw real strong lines...esp. with my oldest - it was best to state my expectations and if they were not met - wait until dad was home to have an eyeball to eyeball...there is something about "alpha male" and not taking disrespect or arguments or mocking...he has always had to come and apologise to me after a talk with dad.
    There is such a need for autonomy at this age...and yet their brains are not developed. Now we are dealing with the girl teen...ohmigosh...must find her heart - must find her heart.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3:49 PM

    You are not alone, sister. Riley and I butt heads A LOT! Often I feel like he doesn't love me, only Steve. We will get through this. Cameron and I have a relationship that keeps getting better and better and he went through this stage too. Spencer and I are on the upswing too. There is hope and I love #5. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kelly8:15 PM

    Beat him. Really a lot. You will feel better, the fear of Mom will be upon him. This is what I do with mine.
    Just kidding; I just want to beat him a lot. They are morphing into bizarre new creatures. It's like a sci-fi movie, and we all know how you love those....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary Jo 5:48 AM

    I think we all go through this and there is total truth and wisdom to all of ten!
    I probably could have used those on Monday with Evan :(
    But I always tell myself to try again!
    Hugs to you from me!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Susie2:15 PM

    I am giggling since I felt like this at 11:45 on MONDAY morning. It's going to be a LONG summer with a four-year-old. But I am sure the challenges are different.

    Hang in there- before you know it, it will be back to school time!

    Thank you for the good Godly reminders ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Andi2:59 PM

    Man I think we are the same personb living a parallel life on opposite coasts....I have done the same things, on down to the crying.....some days it takes far more energy to parent than I feel like I have. One of those days here yesterday. You are a wonderful mom, with three fabulous kids. You are doing it right. :)

    ReplyDelete

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