When You Feel Like Screaming

Let's face it, raising kids is probably the hardest job there is out there.

Especially at that magical age of 2 (and 3, and 4 and.....according to my fellow mamas).

Rhee is poised to turn two next week and I feel like this is his most dramatic age yet. Late night feedings have nothing on the drama of a two year deprived of.....anything. Meltdowns abound and half of the time I have no idea what started them and what I can do to 'fix' them. We have tried all manner of discipline to help mold our young little man.

The other day we had the fit to end all fits. Nothing would calm him. I felt like screaming! Especially at him. I wanted to respond in an unmotherly-like manner (and have, plenty of other times lest you think me holier-than-thou).

The blessing however, was that tiny man Nick was down for a nap and I was able to step back and take a calm approach to his fist beating scream-fest. I scooped him up and held him and just whispered that I loved him and sang to him. Almost immediately, he began to calm down and he just kind of sighed into me. This time, he just needed that reassurance that I loved him. It went of a time of extreme frustration for both us to to a time of love, giggles and cuddles, which if you know Rhee, he is a daddy's boy so it was balm for this mama's heart to connect with him on this level. Quiet and contentment, found in my love for my son.

As I have thought about this situation the past few days, God gave kept reminding me and putting this Scripture in front of me (in so many different ways!):

Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Sometimes I think God gives us children so He can show us just how much He loves us. I have always loved this verse but it took on whole new meaning when I was able to see it played out with my son in real life. How many times have I thrown a fit, beating my fists on the ground with God? And His delight is to take us up in His arms and love on us in our ugliness. Because His love (and grace) knows no bounds and He rejoices over me with singing.

So next time you feel like screaming, take a step back and realize that sometimes God is teaching you as you teach your children.