Lips of Love

Yesterday, I was trying to pack up the family for a trip, which meant gathering the clothes and food, grabbing the suitcases, cleaning, making meals, and still dealing with a stubborn two-year-old and an overly-curious crawler. Later in the evening, I reviewed the day and saw myself as through a video camera. I didn't like what I saw. 

So I gave myself a challenge:

Could I get stuff done without stressing out? Could I be just as efficient without becoming a whirlwind that bulldozes over my family?

I am all too aware of how snappy I get when I feel like I'm suffocating under my to-do list. And I am all too aware that if it was with anyone else other than my children, I would be much more kind.

Why is it so hard for me to speak with love to my children? I could ask my son, "Please help me sweep the floor," or I could yell, "Look at that mess. Clean it up!"

I want to be more relaxed. I want to gather my children as an owl gathers her owlets under her wings. I want to teach my children to work, but with care and joy.

Lord, give me lips of love. So that my children will experience Your love through me.

Amen.