He Loves Me in Spite of Me

I'll be honest. Being called back to the bedroom after the kids are tucked in for the night really irritates me. I'm ready for a break and for some peace and quiet. It doesn't happen every night but when it does I'm afraid I can respond like a bear. The last thing I want to hear is "MOOOM! I need my sheet fixed. MOM! I need another drink! MOM! I have to go potty again!" Regardless of the fact that they go potty, get a drink and get their sheets and blankets tucked in around them, they still manage to find a reason to call me back into the room.

Tonight I tucked them in, gave kisses and hugs and said prayers. As soon as I sat down I heard Owen yell for me.

I marched down the hall, swung the door open, flipped on the light (which I only did to express my annoyance. I know - immature) and growled, "WHAT!?"

Owen sweetly responded, "I just wanted to ask you to have Daddy come see me when he gets home."

I took a deep breath and explained, "Daddy won't be home for a couple of days. Now please go to sleep. Whoever calls me in here again will be disciplined. Good night."

I flipped the light back off and before I left the room Owen said, "Mama, can I give you a hug and a kiss?"

Of course I couldn't turn that down so I walked over and bent down to hug him. He wrapped his arms around me and patted my back and said, "You're a good Mama. I love you."

Talk about immediate conviction! My son loves me and responded kindly to me even though I did not treat him with love and kindness. He loves me in spite of me. I'm not excusing any misbehavior, but I needed the reminder he gave by the example he set. Even when angry, respond in love. Respond with kindness. How much more effective would my corrections be if I had enough self control to be sure that I seasoned everything with grace? It wouldn't have been appropriate it and I wouldn't have let him get away with it, but it would have been understandable had he responded to me with attitude and anger. I so desperately don't want those negative responses to be a part of our family life!

Tomorrow is a new day. A new opportunity for me to do right and to be the good Mama my son already thinks I am. I want to live up to his expectations for the glory of God.