Sour Lemons

I was feeling so sorry for myself this morning. I was tired, and the kids had forgotten AGAIN to wash their hair, in preparation for going down the mountain to the bookmobile this morning. Then they used up all the hot water, washing their "greasy strings," and it was like a circus, and I didn't want a circus. I wanted peace and quiet. Two daughters hung up two towels each, to dry on the wrong end of the line AGAIN, so I had to ask them to take them down, so I could pull in my own load of clothes, hanging already dry on the other end. In the van, my son spilled my daughter's coffee all over my books. On the way home, I saw a neighbor pass us, waving, and my daughter told me it was not the man I thought it was. She should not be correcting me. Where did I go wrong, raising her? At home, when the kids had all gone to see their new movies, my husband asked me gently, if I could hear myself being snappy? Yes, I could, but ... but ... and anger roiled inside me, as I made excuses for myself. "It's not like you." He said, gently, and that was all. The kindness in his voice made me start to cry. "I'm sorry if you're crying, honey." He said, from the bathroom. "I'm crying because you were kind to me!" I replied, sniffing, "and your kindness melted all my anger." My heart was convicted. I knew I was wrong.

* Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3

Sometimes the way my dear husband handles things, reminds me of the way Jesus might. Why was he so kind, when an hour of his own morning was disrupted by a sour, surly wife, and befuddled adult children? It is Christ in him, and I thank God for this. I asked God to forgive my grumpy spirit, and thanked him for my husband's kindness. The verses of how God kindly corrects my weaknesses flooded through my mind.

* There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:23

* My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Proverbs 3:11-13

I am so grateful to God for loving me enough to make me aware of flaws in my character that could, unchecked, make me, and everyone around me, miserable. I want so much to display behavior that will bring honor to God, when my children copy it. Because they DO copy me.

* Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

And I am listening, Father. I am thirsty for Your help, in sweetening my sour lemon spirit. Thank You for the gift of Your love to me.

* He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalms 23:3

Thank you, dear Father, for giving me those kind words, through my husband, that melted my heart, and renewed my spirit!

* The Lord is my strength and song. Psa 118:14

I told my husband, and my children that I was sorry for being crabby. "That's okay, mom." Their sweet faces held no resentment.

* He restoreth my soul. Psa 23:3

I thank You and praise You, Father. I thank You and praise You.