My weary eyes blink rapidly, as if to shake loose the sleep that clings to them. I read the clock, and blink again. Seven? Does that say seven? And without even taking a moment to rejoice in the fact that Little Man is still asleep, I leap from the bed.
In a panic, I dress, forgoing the shower I so desperately need. Scooping up laundry, I leave the bedroom as quietly as possible. My mind races. What should I do first? I wanted to have several loads of laundry finished already! No time to exercise, no time for the Word, I'll pray while I make breakfast... Rats. I'll have to play catch-up all day.
How I weary of my days being stolen. How I weary of letting them be stolen, as if I am without Help. And I feel the day slipping away.
Or is it?
I pause in the hallway. In a moment, my children are going to rise from their slumber, smiles on their faces as always. It isn't their fault that I am running behind. It isn't their fault that I cannot set my alarm for fear of waking the baby sleeping in my arms. Their sweet sleep has not prepared them for Barking General Mama, and I cannot bear to think of the evening, when I will sneak into their room for sleepy kisses, and then feel the regret washing over me at what they've been through.
It's not too late.
I close my eyes, taking time for that prayer right now. Father, help me to turn this day around. Help me to let go of my expectations, and re-prioritize my day. I don't want it to be stolen by one who would rejoice in the smattering of broken hearts I will leave in my irritated, rushing wake.
And together, He and I, we begin taking back the day.
A quick load of laundry begun. I can keep it going all day. My favorite granola bar suffices for a quick breakfast. I'll eat an early snack when the children have theirs. Deodorant, a comb through my hair, and a touch of chapstick. I feel refreshed already! A favorite joyful hymn escapes my lips as I open the blinds and see first light touching my beloved Wasatch range. This is still the day! [I am speaking words of truth; my heart will catch up.]
And when little feet stumble from bedrooms and night is rubbed from sleepy eyes, the first thing they see is a smiling Mama, her arms open in a good morning hug.
Many moments during the day feel a little like that one piece of chocolate that throws one off their diet. Well, that's it. The whole day is ruined- I may as well eat everything in sight! But in those moments, I refuse to believe the day is ruined. I bend to look into amber eyes and say, I'm sorry. I reach for a departing child and pull him close for a hug. I call I love you! to the little girl who has an accident in her pants and is sitting on her potty chair.
Sure, my day starts in a panic, and many of the things I hope to accomplish are placed by the wayside; but when warm cheeks are kissed that evening as my little ones slumber in their beds, I cast a grateful smile heavenward, so thankful for His care.
It has been weeks since I began practicing to take back my days. And what I'm learning in the process is how great His grace is for me. I never feel rejection or disappointment from my Father when I fail. He never throws up His hands and just forgets the whole thing. He's right beside me, helping me take back my days. And those days just keep getting sweeter and sweeter.
Won't you come with me?
In a panic, I dress, forgoing the shower I so desperately need. Scooping up laundry, I leave the bedroom as quietly as possible. My mind races. What should I do first? I wanted to have several loads of laundry finished already! No time to exercise, no time for the Word, I'll pray while I make breakfast... Rats. I'll have to play catch-up all day.
How I weary of my days being stolen. How I weary of letting them be stolen, as if I am without Help. And I feel the day slipping away.
Or is it?
I pause in the hallway. In a moment, my children are going to rise from their slumber, smiles on their faces as always. It isn't their fault that I am running behind. It isn't their fault that I cannot set my alarm for fear of waking the baby sleeping in my arms. Their sweet sleep has not prepared them for Barking General Mama, and I cannot bear to think of the evening, when I will sneak into their room for sleepy kisses, and then feel the regret washing over me at what they've been through.
It's not too late.
I close my eyes, taking time for that prayer right now. Father, help me to turn this day around. Help me to let go of my expectations, and re-prioritize my day. I don't want it to be stolen by one who would rejoice in the smattering of broken hearts I will leave in my irritated, rushing wake.
And together, He and I, we begin taking back the day.
A quick load of laundry begun. I can keep it going all day. My favorite granola bar suffices for a quick breakfast. I'll eat an early snack when the children have theirs. Deodorant, a comb through my hair, and a touch of chapstick. I feel refreshed already! A favorite joyful hymn escapes my lips as I open the blinds and see first light touching my beloved Wasatch range. This is still the day! [I am speaking words of truth; my heart will catch up.]
And when little feet stumble from bedrooms and night is rubbed from sleepy eyes, the first thing they see is a smiling Mama, her arms open in a good morning hug.
Many moments during the day feel a little like that one piece of chocolate that throws one off their diet. Well, that's it. The whole day is ruined- I may as well eat everything in sight! But in those moments, I refuse to believe the day is ruined. I bend to look into amber eyes and say, I'm sorry. I reach for a departing child and pull him close for a hug. I call I love you! to the little girl who has an accident in her pants and is sitting on her potty chair.
Sure, my day starts in a panic, and many of the things I hope to accomplish are placed by the wayside; but when warm cheeks are kissed that evening as my little ones slumber in their beds, I cast a grateful smile heavenward, so thankful for His care.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It has been weeks since I began practicing to take back my days. And what I'm learning in the process is how great His grace is for me. I never feel rejection or disappointment from my Father when I fail. He never throws up His hands and just forgets the whole thing. He's right beside me, helping me take back my days. And those days just keep getting sweeter and sweeter.
Won't you come with me?
28 fellow travelers shared:
I love you. Call me and I will come do your laundry. :o)
I loved this post.
Thank you - this is just what I needed to hear on this rushed Monday morning! I think I WILL come with you!
Thank you for this post, Elise. I needed to read it.
~~Rachel
www.nothinggold.net
Thank you for this post. I so needed it this morning after a horrible morning which began at 5with my 2 yr old son, where nothing consoled his anger. I don't want to wallow in my self-pity. Thank you, as I want to take my day back too.
Beautiful, Elise :) I love the picture of an army of Mommies stopping to pray and praise and take back the day! Love & hugs, Q
Just what I needed to hear! Thank you for blessing me today!!
maja
Yes, I'll be there, too! These precious days are easily marred with harsh, hurried words and painful regrets...I pray I remember to not let my days be taken away, and when they do to let Him take them back for me!
Ah, so easy to just take a deep breath when I come here. With a now-3-year-old who's awake before 6 each day, I rarely am able to start my day peacefully. So I'll just take it back in little bits throughout the day. Thanks!
Such a helpful post Elise! I was allowing my attitude to get to me this morning but during math I looked out my window and saw the sun and thought, "So what math didn't get started till ten because of everything else, I still have until nine thirty tonight and I can enjoy this work load!" Your post has refreshed me after the lunch clean up. I will think of it as I go out to do Plato's Republic and American Government and Economics on the Hammock in the Warm SON!
Love to all!!!
Beth
What an excellent post. It really spoke to me one hundred percent. Thank you. Holly
Yes, I will. Just this morning I lay in bed at 5:30am telling myself the truth. I can be content and at peace when I am tired. That it is a blessing to be woken that early by a healthy whole little boy and then be greeted not much later by a bigger little boy.
That my days are not my own and that is HIS design to make me more like Him. Today is apart of His plan, the falling short and the moments of goodness.
Thanks for articulating this and leading my heart closer to home.
Much love
It sounds like a cheering marching song, a chanting refrain: Take back the day!
Can I join in too?
God leads us on, Conqueror, Redeemer, Almight One...
So grateful for you,
Ann
Sweet Elise, I am right there with you. How we need Him in this journey.
Sending love,
Carrie
great post. thank you!
THANK YOU, Elise. What beautiful words spoken from a beautiful Mama's heart; so intent on raising children in wisdom and His love. Please continue to share what is spoken to your heart with us other Mamas who need the same revelations!
Elise,
Thank you. This post blessed me immensely - and is one I am printing out so I can be reminded to take back my day, every.single.day.
Peace,
Stacey
Elise, I'm ashamed to say how many times I have the opportunity to take my day back EVERY day! I love your humility - because I can relate...and learn from your rich wisdom. I'll come with you!! ;)
I'm praising my Father for this post. A friend shared the link after I shared how I was struggling today. My Father and I. . .we're gonna take back this day!
What a wonderful, wonderful post! Praise the Lord for laying this on your heart and sharing it! I will most definitely join you in this journey of "taking back the day." The enemy seeks to destroy...in the big AND little things...may we our tongues as well! God bless you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you... sometimes a glimpse into another momma's heart is just what we need to help us find the way to pick up the pieces and carry on.
Truly beautiful and inspiring! I am so that growly bear mom in the morning and find that my mood sets the tone for the entire family that day. I've spent many a morning saddened by the start I've given my children that day.
Thank you for your honest and precious post. I too want to take back my day.
Isnt this so true! Something I really need to work on. Especially with the girls....they just seem to need "more" of me. Wanting to help with all that momys do, not realizing that I have only 20 minutes to get dinner cooked and the laundry hung out while the baby is sleeping. They just want to help, but so often I am in survival mode. Yet, their little hearts are so much more important!
I host Tune-Up Tuesday and I think that this is what my "tune-up" will be tomorrow. What a wonderful post and so timely!
Elise, it was such a gift to me today to read this... I've often been one to throw up my hands at my small (or big) failings and then despair, letting everything go south from there. Jesus is gently teaching me a different way, too. I'm so grateful! So good to be journeying towards Him together, M
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! It was fantastic!
Oh, thank you, my dear, sweet Elise. This is so what I needed to read right now.
Just found this old post, but needed it so much today! It is *so* easy to give in and think, "This day is a bust already, we'll start over tomorrow." But what a difference when we stop and turn all the remaining minutes back over to God to redeem a day gone wrong. Thank you so much for this reminder!
Post a Comment