when the day is hard

when patience just won't prevail.

when your two year old poops in his underwear multiple times and it's really messy.

when your efforts at consistent discipline are failing miserably. {at least it seems like it in the moment}

when it's been an eternity since you've had a real conversation with your husband.

when you can't see the good.

when all the beds are unmade.

when messes of gargantuan proportions are being made while you're nursing.

when you don't have more than 10 minutes to yourself.

when you feel like all you've done all day is give spankings for disobedience.

when you don't even complete ONE task.

when there are loads of clean clothes scattered all over your bedroom.

when the suitcases need unpacking.

when you can't keep up.

when you can't succomb to the "hold you's" all day.

when the crying trumps the laughing.

when you walk around with spit up on your shirt all day.

when your four year old asks you one thousand eighty seven questions and you only know how to answer half of them.

when there's crayon on the wall, the hardwood floor, and the chair.

when everyone is crying.

when it's all you can do to get the chicken marinated for dinner.

when the fighting is constant.

when you feel like you've run a marathon by 11 a.m.

when you complain to your husband the one time you talk to him during the day.

when the baby won't nap.

when the bellies are never satisfied.

when the squeals are ear piercing.

when you want to be anywhere but here but you don't want to be anywhere but here.


when i finally get a quiet moment.

when i can finally see the all of the good. 

when the overwhelming moments cease and i can see clearly and gain perspective.

i find myself begging the Lord for strength because i know He covers me and all of my imperfections. and then i am grateful to He alone for His grace in all the moments that seem so incredibly difficult. i have it really good. and i rejoice with a grateful heart.

my boys are full blown healthy.

we have food to fill their bellies.

my baby sleeps 9 hours at night. and then some.

my two year old did not have even ONE tee tee accident in his underwear.

my boys are physically able to squeal, play, and fight.

we have a home that has to be cleaned.

my four year old has a constantly working, intelligent mind.

we have the clothes to wash, the chicken to marinate, and the beds to make. 

i have a husband that encourages me daily even when i complain and whine.

we have the wisdom to discipline. 

i have the Spirit inside of me who is patient and kind.

i have the Word to cling to and give me hope.

i get to stay home with all of my children and watch them grow, nurture them, and guide them. 

i will cling to Him and be grateful when the day is hard.