If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I'm a mom of three teens who loves them fiercely and intentionally. I'm heartened they're turning out to be lovely human beings who most any adult wouldn't mind having around, and though I can take credit for only a portion of this, I'm ever-thankful for God's graciousness in entrusting them to my care.
This morning I don't want to sell them to the circus, I'd gladly pay Barnum & Bailey to take them off my hands.
The particulars aren't important, it's just a rough mama moment that I'm sure is refining me or them or some Great And Noble Purpose In Light Of Eternity. I swear I haven't been praying for patience….
Anyways….
I have the occasion to visit with my in-laws, precious people who know me well and love me fiercely and intentionally, and I admitted my frustration and struggle today.
While I'm working on a post I agreed to write, my father-in-law popped in to chat a minute. He turned to walk out the door, then stopped, faced me and said, "By the way, you look beautiful this morning."
With a thundery disposition and Clint Eastwood eyes, I replied, "Well, I don't feel beautiful…I feel like killin' someone…." and just as quick Tommy says, "Well, you might accomplish that, but not the way you mean…"
*
*
*
And with that and a hug, my eyes began watering my face and the sun began to thaw my angry, frozen heart.
A compliment, well-timed and sincere, is day-changing and difference-making.
Give someone who needs one a deliberate word of encouragement today. And if you need one? I think you're pretty awesome and don't believe for a second you're reading this is by accident.
🙂
Thanks Robin for a great post…it’s always great to receive an unexpected word of encouragement when you feel most unworthy!!!
Susie A.
I miss you. That is all 🙂
You are so freakin’ amazing. I just wish we lived closer!
Each day I see your swirling beautiful heart I am just so joyful to remember you at Blissdom….We teenager parents are indeed pushed to our limits some days, but the truths are they love us fiercely too…and I am so thankful for you!
hugs
Sweetie
True; this morning I was feeling VERY uncharacteristically hostile. A few words dampened that fire :).
Lisa B., MEEEEEEEEEEE, TOOOOOOOOOO!
Wow, Ali……………you just threw a bucket of water on my fire, too :). Thanks!
Sweeeeeeeeeetie! You're a walkin', talkin' blessing :). And to characterize anything about me as "swirling beautiful"? Makes me melt. "Swirling" is one of my favorite words.
This post reminds me of the first time I realized that the 5th commandment applies to spirits as well as bodies.
I needed that reminder today. Thank you.
What an awesome reminder. Thank you! Your FIL sounds like a treasure. 🙂
Delish and well timed compliments are the bomb!! And sometimes they also defuse the bomb 😉
LOVE IT!
LJ
Hey Sandy :),
{{you're welcome}}
🙂
Lisa-Jo,
Bomb defusers…me likey :).
Betty,
He IS!! I'm ever-thankful for him :).
I’m just glad I’m not the only one who thought about paying the circus for my kids! 😉 I enjoyed your post and have taken it to heart!
would NEVER have pegged you for a mom of three teens. wow.
Oh my… I must say this made me laugh but only because I have been there so many times. Our youngest just graduated high school and like you I got to the point of just handing him over to the circus…
Stay strong, stay firm…. and here’s a BIG HUG!
And by the way, you are very beautiful 🙂