Originally published Monday, 17 March 2014.
I recently read this and immediately recognized it as one of the truest statements ever…
Have you ever felt like this? I not have phrased it as eloquently as the above, but now that I have children the notion of perfection is laughable.
“Children bring out our weaknesses and lack of faith, ultimately leading us to a posture of prayer.” {Tweet this!}
Pre-kids I had a list of “I will never’s.” And to be honest, those “never’s” have gradually become understandable exceptions.
Things like:
“I will never let my kids play outside all day in their pj’s.”
Now I smile because I am the mother next door I never thought I’d be.
I will never let my house become dirty and look like “so and so’s.”
Isn’t dirty such a relative word?
My children will never talk to me like that.
I definitely demand respect from my children, but a healthy debate with my seven-year old is sometimes fun and a welcomed challenge!
The realities of motherhood often reduce a multitude of parenting rules down to the bare essentials in areas that are more preference than standard.
So, I have decided to turn my failing list of “nevers” into a growing list of commitments I can actually keep!
A list of “I wills.”
I asked others to join me and here is what we have come up with:
I WILL give my kids the good morning hug – EVERY MORNING!!!
I WILL pray with the kids before they walk out of the door for school. Even if I’m so irritated with their behavior that I want to pull my hair out. Maybe I should say ESPECIALLY when I’m so irritated.
I WILL ALWAYS dance with my children, no matter how loud they scream, beg and plead for me to stop!!
I WILL randomly enter their classrooms whether necessary or not.
I WILL let my baby wear high waters in public…as long as they look like capris!
I WILL ALWAYS let my daughters know they are valued.
I WILL make sure the kids go to the bathroom before leaving the house, even if they say they don’t have to go.
I WILL be honest with my children. I will tell them things like, “That’s not the right top for you,” or “You really need to brush your teeth!”
I WILL ALWAYS know the names of my daughter’s 3 best friends even if it means learning them every 3 days!
I WILL continue to decide my children’s outfits based on my body temperature at the moment.
I WILL
!
Your turn! To add to this list of committments visit here! There is comfort in giving up and starting fresh with others who understand!
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