"Prayer should be our first resource, not our last resort"

I heard this phrase for the first time when I saw it hanging on a tapestry. I think it is excellent... an excellent reminder of what really matters in life, and who we should be immediately inclined to turn to whenever we are in need. (Not just when we are in need... but still, especially when we are in need.)

Today I was reminded, that as much as I have to learn and grow and continue striving to bring Christ into this home and keep Him the center of our home, I must be doing something right. Yesterday (which was a long and crazy kind of day) I got a paper cut. It was kind one of those, "icing on the cake" deals that just made me so frustrated. I didn't really say anything, but Josiah noticed the "ouch!" and me blowing on it. Today as the kids were playing in the pool this morning on this fine HOT day... I was wearing a band-aid. Josiah said to me, "Mommy, why are you wearing a band-aid?" and I said, "because I got a paper cut yesterday, remember?" and he said "Oh, yeah"

Then at lunch (I guess he saw the band-aid again) we had already finished praying and we were eating and Josiah said, "Mommy, do you still have a paper cut?" ... me- "Yes, Josiah. It'll take a few days to heal." ... Josiah- "You should pray and ask Jesus to heal it." .... Amen...way to turn to Christ little man. So,we did. He joined me... it was such a sweet moment.

Sometimes... (ok... all the time lately?) I'm so exhausted. All the daily things I do to keep our family and our house running (even slightly smoothly) just wear me down. My physical pain makes it even more difficult, especially not to be crabby* or short with the kids. Who isn't crabby when they don't feel well, right? Well... a Mother needs to be the example of Christ's love for her children at all times. Not just when it is easy or convienant. I'm watching my little ones model my behavior constantly, more and more each day really, like little Mini-Me's! And they model eachother too. So when Josiah acts up, so does Lydia. So (I'm hoping) the more Mommy keeps her cool, turns to prayer, and chooses the right thing most especially when it is tough, they will too.

Here's to all the stay-at-home mother's out there, who go so underappreciated and unrespected sometimes, striving so deperately to refine their own souls and to guide their children towards heaven. It is one of the most important jobs on earth, also one of the most difficult and surely the most rewarding. God bless you all, hang in there! You'll find moments, like today at lunch, that make it all worthwhile.