A Spring Renewal
By Sara K.
As the days get longer and the sounds of chirping birds fill the morning air, my whole demeanor changes, knowing spring is near. The warm sun rejuvenates my soul and fills me with contentment. Spring represents new growth. From the leaves forming on tree branches to the flowers starting to bud. I love watching everything become green and plush after a long winter. As I open the windows to let light and air filter in, I picture my house taking a deep breath and smiling too. As a mom I make daily mistakes with my kids. My patience grows think as the kinds energy gets all bundled up from the months of being cooped up in the house. They feed off of my sun deprived mood, and bickering begins before the coffee is often made. It casts a dark cloud of glooma on our day, one that I am shameful to say I often start.
The mornings are always a time of stress in our house. I was upset last week; we were running low on time, groceries, and patience. Milk accidentally spilled when my oldest two kids were in a squabble over the position of the cereal container. I started to open my mouth, upset that, I would have to figure out what they would eat before school now that all of the milk was gone, and I used the last of the bread for lunches, not to mention we had 15 minutes before the bus would be making its way up the street. But before I let anything come out, I saw my kids, the way they cringed as they looked at me, bracing for a verbal lashing that was sure to be the result of their tug of war with the now ruined box of cereal. They were gearing up for a war, ready to come back with a finger point blame, after my lecture was complete. I stopped dead in my tracks, ashamed of the look I saw, on those three faces the fact that they cringed. I took a deep break, asked God for forgiveness and then said it's OK, and started cleaning it up while brainstorming another breakfast option. So many times, I have let the mishap of spilled milk set my day. But who does that help, and yelling out at my kids while I'm frustrated certainly doesn't make me feel better. After the kids left with a hug and an apology from me for yelling at them during past morning disputes, I decided I needed a new plan.
Spring helps me remember that we are made new in Christ. I am taking on this spring with a renewed hope and attitude. With the new season approaching I have decided to choose joy. I have made an intentional effort to start each day with a renewed attitude to be happy. I want to start each day like the sun and shine warmth down on my kids. god has given me such a special job. I have three little people running around this world who call me mom. These three sets of eyes depend on me, for my support, mood, love, reassurance as they learn to figure out who they are. My attitude reflects the mood in my house. I have decided to strive for that joyous feeling when the air warms my skin and I see daffodils sprouting from the base of the tree. I was able to put this to the test this morning while tow of my kids quietly ate breakfast, my youngest didn't want anything to do with food. He was even letting the neighbors know his intentions with his loud voice. But I kept my positive attitude and repeated his options while given time to process. The others remained positive as well, following my footsteps and he turned around. A situation which could have easily soiled the morning, dissolved. While it might not turn out the same way next time, I am thankful for God who continues to show me the importance of a sunny attitude even during a rain shower.
Originally published in the April 2014 Indian Creek MOPS Newsletter.
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