"The Best Mom I've y Ever Had"

This is one of Zack's daily comments to me...."Mom, you are the BEST Mom I've ever had!"

He will say it when he is just passing me in the hallway, or when he is happy I agreed to let him have a marshmallow before dinner, or when he knows he has been forgiven of a wrong in a gracious and loving manner.  He has even been known to say it when he is being punished.  As a way to get out of it, you think?  I'd like to think it is because he really and truly believes it.  And, if you know my Zack, you would think the latter as well.  He is a sweetheart and he loves his Mama.

Zack, without even realizing it, was really convicting me every time he said those words to me.  Was I really behaving as the best Mom he's ever had?   I realized that I had so much improving to do.  So much work to be done in my home.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in doing so much outside the home... church, our women's ministries, friends... that we neglect our first priority... Our Home!  I am guilty of this!

When I was just a Mom of 2 and even 3 little ones, I loved, loved, loved our family schedule.  It helped me have order in my life and I know it gave my children and husband a sense of security to know that certain things were going to be done at certain times.  But, as Tim's hours became longer and we started having more children, our schedule went out the door.  Completely.  We tried to have some order with nap times, bedtimes, or school; but still the chaos remained.  What we were missing was the commitment and willingness to adopt it and use it.

So, this past weekend, after talking about doing it for weeks now, we finally sat down and had a family meeting about setting up a family schedule.  Our meeting was a success and we all went in with open hearts to what God has in store for our family.  The kids, especially the older ones, thanked me, and told me they were excited about starting. My husband, a bit reluctant, but on board.  Lawyers aren't quite used to running on a schedule!

Yesterday was our first day on the 'schedule'.  Can I tell you that it was one of the most productive days?  And, can I also tell you that my little ones had their school work done 2 hours early, so decided, on their own, to work ahead!!  Throughout the day, my eldest son kept saying how much he loved the schedule.  And, by the time dinner, clean up, bath times, and bedtimes rolled around, we were beside ourselves with how smoothly the day ran.  My eldest daughter even exclaimed at how she couldn't believe how early it was and how much time she had left over.

Now, I am not going to say that I think it will run this smoothly everyday, but I am so thankful that day one did!  It helped us know that God answers prayer.  That God hears our cries!  That God was in the details.

I am aware that sometimes the schedule will run like clock work.  Other days it will be non-existent.  But, the fact that it is there...I made a large poster board of it and posted it in our classroom so we can all see it during our school day... is almost like a security blanket.  One I needed so much!  And, because we are known for our flexibility, we are going to be realistic, too.  The schedule is really for Mondays through Wednesdays, with it being applied loosely on Thursday and Friday, and the weekend is ours to be free.  But, the schedule has really freed up time as it is!  I feel like I have gained back 3 hours a day!  That is a clear indicator to me that God totally knew my heart, heard my cry!   Even if it was said in jest...

You see, just a couple of days ago a friend knew I was overwhelmed and she asked if there was anything she could do to help..."Yes,"  I told her.  "Do you have a few hours out of your day you can give to me, so I have more  hours in the day?"  She laughed.  God delivered.  HE IS THE BESTEST DAD I'VE EVER HAD!

1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.


*A special shout out goes to Janet C. for helping me finally take the schedule and own it.  J, you were instrumental in helping me see the light at the end of my chaotic tunnel.  Thank you!