Jason has been out of town for a few days; and, let me tell you, last night was rough.  I always remember just how important Jason is to my sanity when he has goes out of town on business.

The kids were especially disobedient and rowdy and loud last night. . . I think they know when I'm at my weakest. . . but then, I should probably remember that I don't wrestle with my kids, I wrestle with "principalities and powers" who know when I'm at my weakest.  At any rate, I was weak.  I broke, several times.  I had spent an entire day cleaning and trying to talk an obstinate 4 year old into letting me read to him, not to mention shouting out threats and praying for help and crying at my lack of grace.

At the end of the day, I got them all in bed and just heaved a heavy sigh. . . and thought of their faces.  In spite of their sometimes "wicked ways," they really are an innocent little group.  Why do I find it so hard to show unconditional love?  Why do I so easily loose patience with such a cute and lovable bunch of kids?  They look to me with expectation, with trust, with confidence, with peace (as in the no-worries sort of peace).  Why do I so often fail and return their looks with anger?

Lord, help me never forget just how blest I am to have these three children.  They give me reason to be better, to want more, to try harder. . . to lean more fully on You.  Help me to live up to their expectations; but, more importantly, let me please You in everything I say and do with my children each day.