When you are "done" by 10 a.m.

This day started off well.  We received a healthy dose of snow last night, so my farmer was home, unable to run the chisel plow like he had planned.  I was able to linger in my bed.  My kids even came in and snuggled me.  It was so nice! 

Then, unfortunately, I left the safe haven of my bed.  There was an instant request to watch "Paw Patrol."  Evidently, it was urgent. I tried to patiently explain that we do not watch shows before breakfast!  My speech was ineffective, and I was countered by some intense whining.  It was downhill from there.  My kids could not get along.  I battled fighting, yelling, and name-calling as I tried to enjoy my first cup of coffee and the morning news. My husband had abandoned me to do the plowing in the snow.  Whatever. My oldest had been to time out twice before I gave in and took them outside to play in the snow, and hopefully, to send one in the tractor with Dad. 

If anyone has dressed even one kid in snow clothes, you know how exhausting that is!  I helped my two kids get bundled up and then bundled up myself.  We were able to have a good time outside sledding and digging in the snow.  We came in and had some hot chocolate and cookies.  I noted how tired I felt.  It was only 10:30!  Naptime was still two and a half hours away.  I thought, "How am I going to make it until then?"

Here's the kicker: I could choose to remain engulfed by my bad morning, or I could choose to turn it around.  I know we are all faced with similar decisions daily.  When we choose to turn our day around, we can ask God for help.  But, I'm wondering, what does God say about bad days?

1. He says He always cares for us.  1 Peter 5:7 says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."  This verse says that God wants us to cast all of our worries on Him.  Even the ones that seem silly, like in my case today, "My son is driving me crazy!" God already knows my feelings anyway.  However, when we cast all of our cares on Him, we release our worry and get His peace.  I'll make that trade any day!

2. He says He guides us, delights in us, and holds our hands. Psalm 37:23-24 is one of my favorites!  "The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."  What a wonderful promise for us moms!  God delights in our seemingly mundane lives!  Even when we make a mistake, we will not fall, for He is holding us by the hand! 

So, we choose to turn it around!  God is on our side.  Wallowing in our bad days is not what God has in mind for us.  He wants to give us strength and peace.  When we make this choice, He helps us. His word is always there to encourage us. I'm finding out more and more that my own daily choices contribute to whether or not I experience life abundantly.  It is a daily choice.  Sometimes, it's an hourly choice! But, that's why I'm on this quest!  And that's why, today, I choose to not be done at 10 a.m.!

I've linked up at Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God and Titus2sDay