Kind words

I just love this picture. Total essence of the kind of mother I am trying to be. I read a great little book, 'What would a holy woman do?" Such good thoughts on trying to be holy in the everyday things we do. I remember reading being holy is not perfection, but just striving to be a little more kind, a little more patient and thoughtful. I tried to think this way through the week. Here's what I noticed:

• I enjoyed taking the time to sit and play with Kevin. He loves his little dinosaur, 'Diney.' He loves to build houses and forts for his cars and small toys with blocks. He is so imaginative. 
• Ethan hugs more and smiles when I try to listen to him better. His patience level is pretty much zero, so when I try super hard to be patient with him, and speak calmly, (insanely hard!!), somehow, it helps. 
• Brooke is just a darling who is going through the possessive phase a bit right now. Toddler stuff. She shrieks and cries when something is taken away, usually by her brothers. I try to help the boys remember to not snatch toys, and to be more gentle with her. Today, Ethan spent a good ten minutes playing hide and seek with Brooke. I just sat and watched, soaking in the moment of them being kind to each other. Blessing. 

Yesterday was Sunday. We survived another episode of 'Church with young kids.' Later that night, I asked on Facebook about helping kids with their temper tantrums and such. Whenever I post anything about the trials of kids, I do it so timidly and with a bit fear. I don't want to post negative stuff, or sound whiney and complaining about my kids all the time. I know that I am not the only mom out there struggling with kids. We all have at least one kid that is our hard one, and the one that will teach us some great lessons. 

I ask questions on FB because there are so many other friends out there that have such wisdom and insight that sometimes I don't even think of. I treat asking questions on FB as opening a vault of gold, and receiving some nuggets of help. I just always do it with a little bit of fear for being so open. Yet, sometimes I get a message from another dear friend who thanks me for sharing my struggles. It helps me so much, and I always get surprised that I actually was helping someone by my whining.

 I got a message from a sweet friend last night, and it just really touched me. Here's a snippet:

"Thank you for sharing your struggle in motherhood so others like me can learn from them. Also thank you for loving your children so much. In every status, every blog post one thing is for sure, you love your family and that you have a testimony of the gospel. Not very many people can say that."

I read that, and was just humbled to the ground. It was so thoughtful, and was such a lift that has helped me do better with my kiddos today. Isn't it wonderful when kind words are shared? It's so easy to share them, and it has such a powerful effect for good. They don't cost anything to buy and give, and we have them inside of us all the time to give to others when they need it. I'm so thankful for my gift of kind words I received.