More often than not, my mornings consist of reminders, reprimands, and rushing. Did you pack your jacket? Change that attitude, little mister. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all. Then, my children scramble out the of the car–backpacks slung across their tiny shoulders. I won’t see them again until the sound of the bell sends them rushing out of the building–laughing and ready for a snack.
As I pull away, I’m consumed by “mommy guilt”. Did I remember to tell them I love them? Were my words more than just directives or critiques? Will they know they’re prayed for today? Did I say anything nice?
There are times the guilt is well-earned. Sometimes my words fail to build up my children, husband, friends, or even strangers I encounter. As Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Tomorrow–whether I’m in the midst of the morning rush, the dinner hour, or the bedtime routine–I’m going to slow down enough to remind those around me of how important they are to me. I’ll tell them they are a precious gift in this life.
Then, I’ll let the “mommy guilt” go–at least for the day.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJtw-YNaXDw]
