I need a little joy in my life this morning! Last night was a night of weeping and mourning...nothing catastrophic happened but there was definitely some drama. I know what you're thinking, a day in the life of any woman is full of drama. When you add three daughters who are becoming young women you up the chances of drama immensely! It was one of those nights: the night before a new beginning. I'm not referring to a huge change in our lives--good grief, it's not like we are doing a complete turn around or anything. No, we are not moving or changing jobs! The new beginning refers to a new semester of school and THIS mom's desire to have her girls in bed on time.


Sounds painless, doesn't it? Sounds like a pice of the proverbial cake. It might have been easier had I remembered that when you have a goal, it takes an objective to accomplish it (ala Sunday School lesson). I might have also reminded myself that no one likes for mom to hollar at them (I tried to say "hollared at" but luckily my grammar was corrected by this brainy computer of mine). In addition, I would be wise to keep the emotional fluctuations of a trio of young women (the girls) and one oldish woman (me) in mind when setting such a lofty goal. What was the goal, you may be asking yourself? My goal was to get the girls in bed by 10:30 pm on a school night. Good grief! It would've been easier to tie two cats together by the tail!!! I have never done this but I've heard it's challenging.


Yes, the girls were in bed by 10:30. No, they were not happy about it. If I had a "do over" or easy button, I definitely needed to push it last night. My heart was in the right place but my mouth got me in trouble (quit lol-ing those who know me well). My goal for tomorrow night is to give the girls advance warning that mom is going into "back to school mode." I came out of the blue and demanded that they shut down all electronics; shower; clean up their rooms; and charge lap tops IMMEDIATELY. What a departure this was from our Christmas break :)  We stayed up late, ate when we felt like it and enjoyed time off. It's back to the school schedule and this mom is praying for God to give me a softer voice and kinder words tonight. 


Help me remember the words of the Bible found in Psalms 30:5  
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Help me to use a soft voice and plenty of understanding with my girls. They are so tender and so easily bruised. Their hearts are tender. Give me a tender heart as I raise them up in Your word, Lord! 


Can you relate to this post? Have you ever blown it as a mom? I'd love to hear from you so that we can pray for one another. There is strength in prayer and two praying together can accomplish so much (Ecclesiastes 4:12).