As i have thought long & hard about what is going on or what the needs of my family are the word choose keeps coming to my mind.
I feel like i need to choose to hear the words that come out of my children's mouths as well as what their hearts say too. Sometimes i just say: yep or whatever, or in a minute. or i don't have time.
or choose to be a better person. I always have things i would love to work on. I need to choose not to take things so personal or let things bug me.
I need to choose to have more patience.........
Then i was reading this talk by Julie B. Beck & it made the decision for my 2012"word" pretty easy.
in it she says:
As I have talked to young mothers and mothers with children at home—those with teenagers and young adults especially—they tell me that their most important shift to be at the top of their game, to be the strongest lioness at the gate is the “swing shift.” That’s the afternoon shift. That’s when everyone comes home hungry, tired, needy, and less lovable. It is when you are hungry, tired, needy, and less loveable. It is also the time of day when people are more teachable, when they are most grateful. When we realize and prioritize our time properly, we don’t expect to use all of our strength on the other two shifts so that the afternoon shift can be safeguarded and can be a time of strength and power. We plan for times when the meals are there together, when we can create that home environment and when that family can gather, and you are the strengthening power and force in that family. Remember that influence and power come when we prioritize correctly. If you spend time elsewhere, you don’t have it to give. For other women it might be another time of the day. Some of us have to be on call during the day shift. There are many who need help during the day. Service is needed during the day, but look at and evaluate your life. Ask “Where do I need to prioritize my time?” and “When do I have to be at the top of my game?” I have learned that a good woman with the help of the Lord can usually work two to two and a half shifts. However, no one can work all three shifts. You have to Choose &prioritize where you are going to spend your energy.
I realized that I am lucky enough to have so many wonderful things in my life right now.
I need to not only be the best mother I can, I need to somehow figure out & choose what "shift" i fall under???
I know that we are not always going to have the snotty noses, grimy hands, tantrums, unfinished homework, & fighting....i want to choose this.. i know it won't last forever. Audra will be ONE at the end of the month. Where has a year gone??? I know this is where my kids need me. It is challenging most days, i won't lie. But, i choose to be a mother & i love it!
I need to choose what i can take on this year & do it well.
Also, i want my husband to know that i choose him. i always choose him. he is my number one. but, being a mother & his Crazy schedule & the kids' Crazy schedules... sometimes i don't think i put him first. but, he is my first priority. i love him with my whole heart. Do you ever feel like you live in the same house, sleep in the same bed, "stand" next to each other while you eat & are raising the same kids. But, when things get crazy does it feel like you are just to tired for one another???
I need to choose to be better on this. He is the one I'd rather be with than anyone else in the world!
Happy New Year!!!
Here is me Choosing to strive towards an end!!!! :)
p.s. as i finished writing this the kids
were crying and screaming...
I will be on my knees a lot this
year.! ;))))
