Oak

Today I was grumpy, short with everyone, and annoyed with my circumstances. I woke up extra early this morning to be able to write a column I’ve been behind on, and wouldn’t you know that my girls got the memo. I sighed and tried to make the best of it, but alas… writing about being a mother and how to do it well, while being short with your kids and annoyed, isn’t the greatest inspiration for writing. I stopped and let go, but I didn’t let go of the bad attitude the rest of the day. I wish I could tell you there was some amazing moment I had where things turned around, but I can’t. It got worse, I fought with my husband, hurt his feelings, then waited too long to apologize (feeling vindicated in my “honesty”). It wasn’t until tonight, as my girls fell asleep, that I realized the error of my ways. They are growing fast, like really fast, and they want to sit with me, follow me, watch my every move, and look like me. One day, I’m going to miss it so intensely. It doesn’t make the days easier sometimes, but it’s so very good to have perspective. The days are long, but the years are short. One day these little ones will be strong oaks of their own, and I want to be one that was eagerly caring and watering daily, not wishing I had another job that didn’t require so much work. Friends, whatever your little oak tree is tonight… don’t grow weary in doing good. Keep caring, fending, and watering that which is in front of you. One day you’ll blink, and it’ll be a huge, strong oak tree because you didn’t throw in the towel. Thank God for new mercies every single morning.