We All Need a Little Grace

Phew, this morning was a doozy. I had less than an hour to feed four human beings, get them dressed, play a game of "Go Fish", brush teeth, cuddle during "Daniel Tiger", make lunches, make coffee for the busy hubs, and get out the door on time. I know so many can relate. But why does there have to be a battle every time? Connor spilled his cereal, like head to toe milk and "honey boats" (Honey Bunches of Oats) all over him twice! Caleb is fighting over every. single. thing. He doesn't like his shirt, his socks have "bumps", he can't get his shoes on, and he hates his new (never worn) sweatshirt from Christmas. Just great. Thank you Jesus for Cade who sits on the floor and smiles through most of it, even being pushed down by Connor and toys stolen.

So we finally make it into the garage, everyone is in their seats and I'm closing the automatic door and boom... slam my finger in my door. That was just enough to push me over the edge. I mean sobbing. I can't remember the last time I sobbed like that. I shut the garage door in the midst of the pain, because I just couldn't take the chances of a neighbor walking by and hearing the madness & sobbing all at once. The boys asking if I was okay. I finally had the words to tell Caleb-- my finger was hurting bad, but it was my feelings that were hurting to push me over the edge. He had been rude and disobedient all morning. (Maybe it's because I beat him so bad in Go Fish?) So then Caleb begins to sulk and cry. So I climb in the back of the van and we sit, and talk, and cry and hug. We work it out. We have (what I hope) is a good lesson for all of us on working together and what loving each other looks like.

While I'm climbing back up to the front of the van I'm coaching the boys on what we're going to do once we arrive at school-- no fits, no tantrums, no fights. And under my breath say something like "I don't need anymore grief..."

Caleb says, "Mommy!! It sounded like you just said you don't need any more grace?!"

And I'm done.

"Nope, Caleb. Mommy always needs more grace. Lots and lots more. We all do. Thanks for the reminder baby."

My morning in a nutshell and a constant reminder that I'm in need of grace from every avenue of life. Including every person and email and text I am super late on replying to right now, trying to keep up. Thank you friends for grace. Thank you God for daily grace and mercies new every morning.

Thankful for coffee on the ride.

A trip to Target after the chaos will help.

The way home. The sun & clouds just made me happy. It reminded me of a clean slate.