Throw in the Red Flag

It was one of those days where the kids aren’t listening, you aren’t seeing eye-to-eye with the hubby and you feel overworked and under-appreciated.  Ever had one of those days?  Well I did.  The last straw was when I came out to the living room to find the same mess that I had asked the children to pick up 30 minutes prior.  And although in retrospect, it probably wasn’t that big of deal but at that moment, it was enough to break me down into tears.  It wasn’t the pillows thrown on the floor, or the books left out, or the shoes under the table, it was the lack of obedience and lack of consideration that got to me. 

 

Like many mothers and wives, I take great pride in keeping up with the household chores, making sure that my husband is taken care of and that my kids have everything they need.  So I take it as a personal attack (even though it’s not) when I feel like I’m working hard but my hard work is being taken for granted or feeling like my own family is working against me.

I decided to go out for a walk, cry out my frustrations, and vent to God.  As I was talking to him, I began to ask him for help and wisdom.  I expressed my desire to honor him through serving my family.  At the same time, I complained about my family and their behavior.  As my venting session continued, the thought came to me that God knew exactly how I was feeling at the moment because he experiences that same behavior from us.  He does so much for us, he blesses us, heals us, restores us and yet, we take it for granted.  We take his mercy and grace for granted, intentionally or not, but the reality is that we do.  And yet, God doesn’t throw in the red flag.  He doesn’t give up on us!

As I was humbled by this thought, I asked God for forgiveness and thanked him for his grace.  I took a deep breath, and went back home to continue to serve my family.  Thankfully, seeing me break down into tears sent out the red alert signal--- the “oh, oh, we pushed mommy beyond her limits” signal--- so when I returned, the kids had picked up their mess and apologized for their behavior.  The hubby was in much better spirits also, and the day turned around for the better. 

So the next time, you feel like throwing in the red flag, don’t!  Take a deep breath, seek the Lord in prayer for wisdom, and he will give you the strength to get through any situation you are facing.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).