I loathe to admit this, but I hate to get up early, much less while it is still dark out! I have often thought of these convicting words in the scriptural prescription of a godly wife and mother.
Proverbs 31:15
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens. NASU
I enjoy staying up late. I relish the quiet time with all the girls in bed and I can catch up on work or reading without interruption. However, sometimes I am so absorbed in my activity that I stay up too late. That makes for a grumpy wife, mommy and teacher the next day.
The other day I was listening to my girls describe being homeschooled to a friend from church. Basically the only complaint was that sometimes mommy got angry if they didn't get the problem right. OUCH! Yes, earlier that day I was very irritable and sinned in my reaction to their work. Yes, I could try to justify myself by mentioning that the problem was one they had done many times before, or that I had just showed her how to do it again, or that their attitude was pouty and disrespectful, but the fact remained of my sin. I usually do ask for forgiveness fairly quickly because I hate that I do it. I never yelled at my public school children. I want to treat my own girls with just as much respect and patience. So I determined last night to set my alarm for 7 and get up so I won't start the day rushed and feeling behind.
It was so hard to get out of bed. The alarm clock is in the school room (to help us keep our lessons 30 min. or shorter per subject) which is next door to our bedroom so I had to get out of bed to turn it off. Turning back to my bed, I fought the temptation to tip-toe back in and slip between the sheets of peaceful slumber! Then God reminded me about the reason I was getting up early. I need that time to talk to Him, to read something edifying, and to start the day knowing that I have plenty of time.
So we had a wonderful school day today! The girls did their part to have all morning chores and breakfast finished before 8:30AM, too! Everyone clipped right along through their work and we had some great discussions as well. By lunch time only one girl had one assignment left to finish. I am so thankful and inspired again to obey and learn from God's Word! I know that it will not be easy again in the morning, but it will be worth it.
I pray that one day when my girls describe me and how I led our days, that it will be more like Proverbs 31 and NOT the description I heard in the van this past week!
With All My Heart~
Eva
What a wonderful reflection! You are a wonderful gal Eva!
ReplyDeleteyour a good wife and mother,I am so happy God gives you the strength to do it.we miss you all, God bless
ReplyDeleteThanks Delilah and Debbie. I felt about 3 inches tall the other day! But God is good and redeems and sanctifies! Love you both!
ReplyDeleteOh you and I are on the same page! Only I do get up every morning around 7 am to help Rob with ironing his shirt and making his lunch and coffee. But I relish the morning hour while little ones sleep in! And I will be praying for you! And I will ask that you pray for me! I love you Sister!
ReplyDeleteOh Maralena, I appreciate your love and prayers. I miss you my dear friend! It is easier for me on the days that Alpheus has to be out of the house early, but on days he studies at the church we all want to sleep in! Well everyone but Lydia, who then wakes up Memaw! :) Got you on my list!
ReplyDeleteOh snooze button, where art thou? I remember irritating Alpheus a time or two in the past by "extending" my sleep time. I think it may have been back before I was married and Todd and I stayed with him overnight in the guest house in Woodville. Well, time to go to sleep so I can get up in 5 hours or so ad prep for the Equipping Hour on Sunday @ The Assembly!
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