A sea of turbulent storms of sullen, pessimistic, pouty, fretful, cheerless bad-tempers can wipe out the best intentions of a well-planned homeschool day. We can expect this type of inclement weather to ebb and flow through our homes as natural as the rhythms and forces of nature. After all, we all belong to the “I have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” club. The occurrence of grumpy storms should not surprise us.
Preparations for predicted squalls involve a watchful eye, preparation, and action.
STORM WATCH: Be alert for developing storms.
We moms are lighthouse keepers. We must pray and move the light searching for signs of impending storms of negative attitudes.
True story Part 1: Our four-year-old granddaughter sat in her car seat with a pouty lip and sullen attitude. She did not want to leave Nana and Pop’s home. As someone who strives to be a professional nana, I was happy that she had a good time. But sour frowns were ruining our time together.
STORM WATCH: Carefully watch for patterns of shifting temperature and direction of the wind.
We moms must observe patterns and bring attention to the climate changes in our homes.
True Story: Part 2: However, week after week the same fretful drama occurred. My husband and I dreaded “the ride home.” It was not a random occurrence. A pattern, a habit was forming.
STORM WATCH: Assess and prepare for the storm.
We are equipped with God’s word, His life-giving instructions in the midst of the storm. We must open His word. Search. Study. Pray. Ask, “Lord, what is your answer for my situation?”
True Story Part 3: It was time to change things. We searched the scripture. In Psalm 103: 1-2, David speaks to his soul and actively commands it to remember God’s goodness.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
David continues in the remaining verses with a list of the blessings for which he is grateful. It’s a beautiful chapter. Psalm 103: Bless the Lord, O my soul…. Inspired by God’s word and after talking with my husband, we created the “Blessing Game.” We agreed on the plan. We would each take turns sharing a blessing that happened during the day. We would lead our granddaughter out of the storm.
STORM WATCH: Call for Action.
We moms must face the storm with bold courage and action wrapped with love, grace, and truth.
True story Part 4: The ride home began. We introduced “David’s Psalm 139 Blessing Game” and we took turns listing the blessings of the day. Our granddaughter loved the game! Her “Eeyore” day quickly turned into a “Tigger” day. She even created a catchphrase that our whole family uses even today. “THAT”S- a -blessing!” she would proudly announce after each person sailed smoothly over the wave of discontent. Our grumpy little girl changed.
Mom, our job as “attitude-storm-watcher”, is an important job for the safety and smooth sailing of our family. We cannot be lulled by calm days. We must keep a watchful eye.
Prayer: Lord, give us the eyes to see storms brewing, the wisdom to prepare, and the boldness to take action.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107: 28-30
Why not pause your day and worship God for 4 minutes and 21 seconds……Bless the Lord
From Our Home to Yours,
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