My Piranha Hour

I don't know if you read Max Lucado, I do occasionally. The other day I read about how everyone has a piranha hour. I immediately knew when mine was - as soon as the kids get home from school, Monday through Thursday (thank goodness for the weekend!) There are always papers to look at, things to put where they belong, homework to do, pet chores to do, supper to prepare, the table to set, the meal to clean up, baths to take, and then bedtime - which includes potty, prayers, and a drink. I didn't include breaking up disagreements or taking care of crying children. I also didn't include the fact that I am trying at the moment to potty train a child who doesn't want to potty train. I know that my husband has been at work all day and needs to unwind, but how maddening it can be for him to sit there as I am being attacked by piranhas. Kirk can be sitting on the couch watching T.V. and I am obviously busy, yet the kids still come to me for help finding shoes, finding toys, etc. CRAZINESS! My piranha hour was so exhausting last night that I remember sitting down and watching t.v., but I am unsure how I got into my bed.

Max Lucado was trying to help the reader remember how Jesus handled moments like these - with love. I know that I don't always handle my moments with love. I mean, really, I would be super mom if I told my children a thousand times to put their things away and was loving about it. AND I may not be thinking very loving thoughts about my husband as he sits oblivious to the fact that I am being eaten alive! Obviously I need a new system. I am working on that. One that will help with the love factor that sometimes goes out the front door as the children enter it.

I am being a little dramatic when it comes to my piranha hour, but it can get hectic. You may have one too. When is your piranha hour? Any suggestions to getting mine a little less hectic?

2 Timothy 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control."

Have a blessed week!

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

My parents get us a Reader's Digest subscription every year. One of the features that I enjoy in each issue is the"Word Power" section. Each issue I try to conquer "Word Power" by selecting the correct meaning of about 15 words. I have yet to get them all correct. Just when I think I know a word, I turn the page and realize that I chose the wrong definition.

That is me with people too. Just when I think I understand how to deal with people, I turn the page and realize I was wrong. Trust me, I get people's definition's wrong all the time! When you are wrong while dealing with people, it can sting a lot more than when you get an answer wrong to a silly quiz.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 10:27

Sometimes that is a lot harder than it sounds, but it is a command and I need to continue to strive for it even when I am hurt. Have you been hurt recently? What I have learned in this latest episode is to not take the hurtful words too personally and try to understand that person - what is their definition. Also, praying for that person may be hard, but it is another way to understanding and loving the people that hurt us.

I could just give up on "Word Power," I will probably never get them all right - but I keep trying. It is the same in dealing with people - I can't give up trying to treat others the way I would like to be treated.