Follow up thoughts about this day is what I make of it

It is funny, because (of course) the days following this post have been more challenging. George is uncomfortable in some capacity (teeth? ears?) and has been sleeping poorly, so it adds sleep deprivation to dealing with a grumpy baby. And dealing with challenging situations when I have not had enough sleep is my waterloo.  I haven't done too poorly, I suppose, but that is mainly because Joe was around this weekend to help. We will see how this week goes.

I am fairly certain that I can't do it under my own power. Under normal circumstances, maybe. Like, one whiny kid at a time, I have had a perfect night's sleep? Sure, I think I can keep a positive attitude.  Poor sleep, grumpy baby, whiny toddler, all the challenging things piled on at once? I don't know. Perhaps God would like me to rely on him more in this endeavor? How? More prayer? Much to muddle through...

Also in the comments section of the last post, Mary Elizabeth brought up a good point. She said, (I hope you don't mind me quoting you, I can take it down if you wish) "On the same lines, it kills me that the more I do nice things for them - go out of my way to plan something extra special, or give them a special treat - are they GRATEFUL!?!? Maybe they say thank you, I will give you that, but OFTEN they turn into little terrors, DEMANDING more!! It makes me want to be strict and "no fun" all the time, just so they behave better and don't whine! (Cause most of the time, "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" :))"

Yes, we have had that scenario play out in this house. The weekend before Joe left for Wisconsin while we were staying in Kansas, we decided to have a fun, family night. Pizza for dinner, movie night, special treat. And a child (who shall remain nameless) had the nerve to throw a fit that he wanted to do MORE! FUN! THINGS! when the night had come to a close and it was time to go to bed.  I admit, I was seriously irritated. I mean, come on, Kid, what more do you want?

It makes me think about how many times I have been this way with God. He has given me more than I deserve (much, much more. And that is still an understatement.) and still I ask for more.  Actually, many of the unsavory behaviors my children exhibit (lack of self-discipline, selfishness, unkindness) are just reflections of me. I ask them to be patient, to be kind and feel exasperated with them when they are not. But I am sometimes unkind and often impatient. Sooo... yeah. I apparently need to hold myself to the same standards I hold them. If I do, perhaps I would find that they naturally follow?