Ups and Downs

This summer has been super fun.  I'm really enjoying having all the kids home, being on our own schedule, doing the things I feel guilty doing with the little ones because the big ones are in school and missing it, and sleeping in until 7:00!
I have to be real, though.  As always, it's full of ups and downs.  I love the sibling relationships between them all, and the fact that they love sharing a room.  On the other hand, with the days being so long, there's big fun to be had at night, and grumpy kids that are certain they aren't tired come nap time the next day (even though they really are).  The dinner table and car rides can be fun and silly, but there's always an instigator that takes it over the line and gets everyone in trouble.  The more they enjoy each other, it seems the less they listen to authority.  A day that started with a fun trip to the peach orchard ended with me separating everyone, screaming at them individually, then offering a tearful bedtime prayer with them all together for forgiveness, patience, and wisdom.  It's through the ups that I remember how blessed I am.  It's through the giggles, successes, and snuggles that I remember God has given these children to me.  It's through the frustration I remember I have no control over their hearts.  It's through God's spirit I have peace that God has control over their hearts.  It's through the tears in an honest prayer that I remember that while I have them for a time, they are God's children...not mine.  While the weight on my shoulders is great, it is limited.  Yelling may be what it takes for them to pay attention to me, but tears through an honest prayer will lead them to pay attention to God, and that is my job...and that is what I was reminded of tonight.
Praise God through the ups AND downs.