Dinner Time Grace

Meal time has been a struggle in our house lately. 

 

Translate: I can not stand to sit with my family! 

 

Yes, I just typed that and I don't like the way I feel, but it is the truth.  Maybe you feel the same way and need to know you're not the only mom having these thoughts (please say you are out there, I can't be the only one). 

 

What is the problem at our table?  Hands on feet, hands waving in the air, three huge bits in one small mouth, chewing, talking and whining all at once, mouth wide open to drink (not a pretty sight), shoveling in the food at record speed and immediately asking for more (I have only taken one bite), and the list could go on and on. 

 

Josh and I talked about meal time and concluded that the boys are not purposefully disobeying our request to take small bites and keep one's hand off one's dirty feet.  They just forget in the span of 3 seconds and thus we are repeating the request yet again.  It is getting old, but we try to patiently carry on with reminders of manners and quick meals help as well. 

 

During a quiet moment with the Lord as I was sharing my meal time struggles I realized GRACE, LOVE and MERCY.  Everyday I struggle to obey God's request for my life and everyday God lovingly with grace and mercy reminds me of HIS way.  It's that exactly what Josh and I are doing at the dinner table?  What a perfect time to show the boys grace, love and mercy.  I enjoy seeing God us everyday situations to teach me about His character. 

 

God will not give up on me ". . . He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Philippians 1:6 and I will not give up on one day having a "nice" meal with the family. 

 

"The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary, His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." Isaiah 40: 28-29.

 

The Lord never tires in reminding His children of His ways through grace, mercy and love.  And what peace I have knowing that He also gives me the strength to parent the boys with His grace, mercy and love.