I hate it when I look at The Gypsy Mama's blogging prompt and think... that's too hard for me! :) and that's what I did this week. So I was going to skip it this week because we are visiting family this weekend, but then I asked my family for some help and my 2nd sister so quickly reminded me of the baby shower we were at for #4 sister, where our oldest sister shared a devotional... Point #5 being "Be a Mean Mom."
Sometimes being a Mean Mom can be hard!! We want our kids to like us... someday! But right now, while my kids are young, they aren't necessarily supposed to like me very much! Life isn't supposed to be all about them. They aren't supposed to get every toy or game they want. I shouldn't let them live on junk food. They can't say whatever they want, whenever they want. and sometimes... LIFE ISN'T FAIR!! But that's hard love. Sometimes you have to do chores. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something you want for those around you. Sometimes you need to give till it hurts, and that's okay! That's what LOVE is. It's a sacrifice and sacrifice is HARD!
The good news is that my kids still LOVE me, even when they don't like me very much! And when they get to be my age and look back on life, I hope that they will say "Mom and Dad, thanks for being MEAN" and I want thank my Mom and Dad for being MEAN when I was growing up!! I think you guys did all right!!
STOP
Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not. Here’s how we do it:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing or tweaking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my right side bar}
3. Go and tell the person who linked up before you what their words meant to you. Every writer longs to feel heard. {And if you love us, consider turning off word verification for the day to make it easier for folks to leave you some encouragement}
It’s a great way to exhale at the end of a beautiful week.
You are absolutely right, sacrifice is love and love is hard. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI came to you via the Five Minute Friday link-up, so I'm very glad you didn't skip this week!
ReplyDeleteI don't have kids, but as I read your words they soaked into me as Jesus' words to me. How often have I felt Him say "Life isn't supposed to be all about you, Laura. You aren't supposed to get every toy or game you want. I shouldn't let you live on junk food. You can't say whatever you want, whenever you want. and sometimes... LIFE ISN'T FAIR!!"
But I'm so very, very glad He parents me that way! And when I choose to do the very things He's saying "no" to--out of my own stubborn hard-headedness, how very grateful I am that He showers me with His grace and loves me unconditionally still.
Just like I know you do with your kids!
Thank you for this reminder. I needed to hear this today!
Yes, I love this! It is hard to stay present, sometimes, in this challenge of child-rearing, knowing that each choice I make for Him, they will feel, even if it they don't like it now! (I am that child, too!) Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. I hate feeling mean, but your right. Sometimes it's part of our job: it is truly showing love to keep them safe and healthy. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDelete'Mean Mom' was my nickname for years.
ReplyDeleteNow they like me.
You sound like a great momma to me. I so agree with your thoughts here. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove from your MEAN MOM- It's been a pleasure!!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work- heavy on the WORK <3