“You’ve let bitterness, sadness, and anger in.”
My child’s diagnosis of my problem after observing me for a few minutes was sadly close to the truth. Life here had been crazy, and I was on my last leg. When one more thing had gone wrong, I’d broken down.
Moms, if we’re going to be the examples we need to be for our children and not let sin take over, we have to spend time with Jesus. I know we can’t always get the type of time we did before children, but we must find ways to still our heart in His Word and presence. In life’s busiest, craziest times, it’s the most important thing, not the least.
There’s nothing wrong with admitting that we need to stop and pray—or excusing ourselves for a time out to calm our hearts and remind ourselves of the truth. I’ve also found memorizing Scripture with my child to be so helpful—the Proverbs especially are helping me remember to choose better responses. We work together on applying the verse throughout the day, reminding one another.
As we start a new year, it’s also a great time to think through habits that can help us stay regularly in God’s Word. A wise old woman told me as a teen to make a priority of reading something every day–even if just a small amount. She knew developing that as a habit would serve me well. Remember, it’s in God’s presence that we’ll find the strength we need to mother well.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Psalm 96:6 (ESV)
I’m a sinner saved by grace through Jesus Christ. I’m also a writer—I’ve been writing ever since I could hold a pen. I… 
