Some things that certainly 'refine' a mother (well, that's what they're supposed to do, from a holiness standpoint anyway) I was definitely reminded of today, such as....
-The not so joyful necessity of potty time several times a day, with 4 children, at a Mall. My 'solution' to at least help lessen this laborious necessity: if one has to go potty, guess what- they're all gonna go potty, whether they think they have to go or not! So, our potty breaks take no less than 15 minutes each. I need a nap after each one, seriously.
-The not so fun job of having eyes on all sides of my head to be aware of all four children at all times in a busy mall. Yes, I felt like a drill sergeant, constantly scolding a child for not holding their 'buddy's' hand and staying connected to Mama's hip, but hey- I'd rather breathe a sigh of relief that I was able to tuck all 4 children safely into bed tonight, not having lost any of them or ... well, you get the idea!
-The not so wonderful realization that the world doesn't revolve around you, no matter how many children you have, no matter how exhausted you are, no matter how far you've driven or how hungry, thirsty, tired your children are! It just doesn't!!
-The not so delightful recognition of how very impatient I can be. I sure wish I was more patient!! Just when I catch myself 'patting my own back' for how patient of a mother I am, those darling children of mine will do something not so darling, and thus quickly bring me back to the reality of my own imperfections, and that self-praise comes crashing down on itself!! Refining indeed!
-The kindness of other people who recognize a mother that could use a little helping hand at times, especially after an exceptionally long day. Thank God for genuinely kind (and not pitiful or apologetic) smiles, kind offers of help, and computer guys that are willing to come and pick my computer up from my car and - after fixing it for me- deliver it back out to my car.
Now- time to crash in my bed and look forward to a day at home sweet home with my wonderful babes tomorrow, enjoying another day of school and fun together!
By the way- we still don't know for sure who the culprit was, and no one's fessin' up!!!!
Anyone want to put their guesses in?
Was it my boy....
or my little Diva...
Only Heaven knows, eh?! I look forward to watching a rerun of that 'hidden moment' someday! I wonder if guardian angels chuckle at some of the things we do as children...
