I began seeing myself as a sinner in need of grace just like them.
I began to pray for my children rather than gripe about them.
I began paying more attention to them.
I began seeing them as an important part of my day rather than an interruption to my day.
I began looking for the good they were doing and started catching them being wonderful. Because they are.
As I engaged in these behaviors, I began to fall more in love with my kids and enjoy them again.
I also learned to breathe again. Holding my breath waiting for a new season to rescue me wasn’t doing any of us any favors. I needed to breathe and I needed to do it right then.
My family and my sanity were counting on it.
Here’s to all the parents struggling to keep it together when our kids fall apart. Right now I’m reaching through the screen to offer virtual fist bumps, a knowing nod, and gallons of fancy coffee.
Let’s learn to breathe in this season right where we are, no matter how messy.
This article originally appeared at The Masterpiece Mom.
