Rough Day

Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.  (Colossians 3:23)

Yes, today was just "one of those days."  I had no patience or tolerance whatsoever and the boys seemed to be extra naughty.  It was just one of those days when I felt I couldn't go on anymore.  We all shed tears at some point or other.  Someone must have been praying extra hard for me because during nap time I felt peace and comfort take over.  After naps everyone seemed to have calmed down and I spent extra time with the boys and the rest of the afternoon was much better.  Or maybe it was the chocolate chip cookies I made for hubby.  It is so hard sometimes, especially when you are at the end of your rope and so discouraged to keep on.  But I needed to remind myself to calm down and pray and know that Jesus and Mary are with me and will carry me forward.  I need to remember to pray more often throughout the day and ask Jesus to help me to be a patient, loving and kind mother for my children.

A beautiful Mother's Prayer:

Lord, you have created me to love, and you chose each of my children just for me, to be loved by me and to be raised by me.  May I embrace this holy and "eternal vocation" and believe in its dignity.  Even when I feel unappreciated, may I always recognize in myself "that dignity that Christ saw."  I offer all I do to you, for the salvation of my family.  Mary, my mother, be with me in all the little things I do throughout the day.  Help me to know "the duty of the moment" in each moment and to embrace it joyfully.  
(Mothering: Becoming the Heart of the Home by Rosalie Mcphee Douthwright)