Be joyful… always?

“Be joyful always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

It was early in the morning, right after I woke up, and I heard my kids laughing down the hall.

I tip-toed toward their rooms, wondering what was so funny.

Halfway there, I stopped.

(I didn’t want to interrupt because I didn’t want their laughter to end.)

A smile spread across my face as I stood there, hiding, listening. I lingered, soaking in the moment.

Hearing my kids laugh made me laugh.

I was filled with joy at their joy.

(I found out later they were laughing at their pet fish.)

But I’m the first to admit, my attitude isn’t always like that… filled with joy from being a mom. Sometimes I get impatient and cranky, or frustrated and stressed out. And there are plenty of days I doubt myself (especially as my kids approach their teen years!).

Lately, I find myself praying more and more that I will do this parenting thing right.

But, even though the demands of motherhood can be hard, and even though there are days I feel inadequate, when I see my kids joyful like that, I’m reminded of the gift of being their mom. These precious people I call my kids–these little souls I’m put in charge of–have changed my life forever.

And even if some days parenting is hard, there is joy to be found in even the littlest of things.

These moments pass quickly.

The days whiz by.

And today, I want to remember to be joyful…

always.

My prayer:
Lord, help me to find joy in being a mom today. Help me to focus on the smiles and the laughter, not on the challenges and worries. Help me to create a home where joy can grow and flourish. Even when I am stressed, and even when my kids are less-than happy, remind me that being a mom is a gift and that each day has more than enough joy in store for me, if only I pause long enough to find it.
-Amen

3 Responses to Be joyful… always?
  1. Be joyful… always? :: Genny Heikka
    March 13, 2012 | 2:44 am

    […] my attitude isn’t always like that… filled joy from being a mom. Sometimes… READ MORE at 5MinutesforFaith today! I look forward to seeing you there! Categories : encouragement, faith, parenting, tips, […]

  2. dotnetnuke support
    March 14, 2012 | 7:15 am

    YES! All of the above.
    Man it’s meltdown city here already and it’s only 9 AM! I wish we could have one time and stick with it… for the sake of our kids!

  3. Laura
    March 14, 2012 | 8:01 pm

    Oh, I loved this. 🙂 The reminder that being a mom is a gift. Thank you!