Sometimes I feel like I have no patience and I feel sorry for my kids that they got me as their mom. I yell; I snap; I nag; I get tired; I get lazy; I just want them to go to bed; I like time away from them; I secretly have favorites depending on the day.
And then I see a cup sitting on the counter with 2 pennies in it.
The kids wanted to see how long it would take for the pennies to turn green. The cup has been sitting on the counter for over three months and I haven’t dumped it yet. ( That’s pretty impressive for me considering I’ve been known to clear glasses while my husband is still drinking out of them.)
That’s when I remember that I am more patient than I give myself credit for. And I need to focus on the other 85% of the time when I don’t yell; I don’t nag; I want to be with my kids, and I leave pennies on my counter for months at a time.
We all are more than we think we are.
We check the pennies often and still no sign of green. I haven’t had the heart to tell them this is going to take forever because I believe in a little discovery learning. When they get frustrated with the pennies or start to have questions, that’s when I ‘ll bust out some science experiment and we’ll turn those pennies green.
I remember that giving kids time to learn at their own pace takes patience too.
I read a quote recently that really helps me on those days that I feel down on my patience and my parenting: “Parents only fail when they stop trying.” I guess since the pennies are still out; I’m still trying. I’m pretty sure you’re still trying too.
![I spoke in church today and said the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of Charity. I read Moroni 7:45-47 to make my point. But wherever there was the word ‘Charity’ I substituted it out for ‘the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’ See if these scripture verses now have new meaning for you:
“And the Atonement of Jesus Christ suffererth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth,
[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ye are nothing, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-
But the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
So Easter really reminds us of love. The first and greatest commandment.](https://www.raisinglemons.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
I’ve yet to see you yell or snap at your children. Very well said. We all need this kind of reminder (almost daily). And you’re much better than me- I would have dumped the pennies ages ago:)
This just hits home:) I’ve had many days like this. (expect for the pennies, I have a potatoe in a jar)
I’ve even had other Mom’s question or disapprove of my parenting.
I too am still trying….aren’t my kids lucky!
I really needed this, thank you!
Boy…if you think you are failing that doesn’t bode well for the rest of us. 🙂
It is always good to have a reminder that we are doing the best we can.
I might head over and try to pick those nickels off that are stuck to the counter with who knows what…just kidding.
I like the new site. But I am still waiting to see the Monday Night Manners book in print. I would write it myself, except I lack your skills.
Publishers, take note!