Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Forgiveness

I currently need to closely monitor all the ingredients in my food. Which means I am cooking everything from scratch. I am working 50-60 hours a week around paralysis episodes and daily migraines.

One evening last week I was so tired and grumpy. I asked Princess to make Angel Biscuits for dinner and being a kid, she was getting distracted and not working with diligence. I am not always patient with childishness. I should be, but am not. So, here I am tired, I have a migraine, Princess is goofing around and the window of opportunity for dinner is closing.

Then the dog pukes on the floor.

The yeast is ready to add to the other ingredients. I have to get the green beans going.

The dog pukes again. On the carpet this time.

I lost it and crabbed to Princess about her lack of diligence and her work ethic while I scoop up dog puke.

That's when it hit me ... "Would I want to be cooped up in a kitchen trying to help someone like myself?" My attitude was terrible. It didn't matter how I felt. I needed to apologize and be gentle and kind.

When I apologized to Princess, she forgave me so quickly. Like a child does. Then I realized that I really DO like childishness. I like the quickness to forgive. I like the unconditional love of a child. I like the playfulness of a child.

The rest of dinner prep was not easy, but was so much more pleasant because I chose to change my attitude and seek forgiveness.

Works for me!

4 comments:

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Children ARE wonderful, aren't they? I especially love the way they look at certain situations - we take a lot for granted and I'm always surprised by what my four year old says that reminds me of the reality of the situation!

Jerralea said...

I've totally been there and done that! Like you say, when I suddenly realize it's MY attitude that is causing the problem, and I determine to change it, things go so much smoother!

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you try the hot dog roll ups some time.

Anonymous said...

I cna't tell you how often I find myself in this situation. I really do expect all to often for my 4 and 2 year olds to act mature, and even place adult feelings on them. It's aweful I know. Possibly a result of me never having been around children till I had my own. Anyhow, my daughters too forgive me, but I find it something I constantly have to work on...letting them be their age and not letting myself be so crabby.
Thats what I love so much about the bloggy world, reading posts like yours lets me know I'm not so alone in my parenting struggles.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog by the way!

Christi said...

Children are so wonderful. I hope you are feeling better.