Especially for mothers

I love young moms. I truly do. There is a uniqueness to this time of mothering that is unlike any other. I have been honored to know many young moms who have taken seriously their biblical mandates to discipline their children toward godliness. The discipline is non-stop for these formative years. That discipline may encompass negative consequences but it can also be the right training of a child. This is definitely a period of transition and transformation. I considered to start another blog with that in mind but somehow that will not be keeping with my desire to simplify therefore--I will try to rotate some postings specifically for this unique and wonderful time period.

Recently I returned from an errand. Errands are something my children beg to be excluded from. Though that is not always possible, this time I did not take them but the MOMENT I walked in the door, questions assaulted me. I was overwhelmed and practically demanded ten minutes to adjust to homelife from the outside world.

In the ensuing moments of relative peace I pondered the demands I place on others in similar situations. Do I allow them to transition or do I demand them to enter into the next activity on my schedule just because I am ready? I know this is a fine line because we want immediate obedience but sometimes I think it would be better to teach timely obedience and to teach when it is appropriate to transition slowly to the next task. This, too, is a learned skill--maybe as much for mom to allow a transitional period as the child to learn to transition to the next activity in a timely manner.

Of course, I thought back to the times I have "hit" my husband with an issue the moment he walks through the door. Oops! No transition for him but he is mature, can handle it and I have been with the kids all day. Okay, so now you know the reasons I give to myself.

I am learning transitions are a refreshing kindness we can extend to others.

Teeth Transitions

A new appreciation for all those infants, toddlers, six-year-olds and hockey players through painful reminders of the difficulties associated with teeth transitions.

18 months ago I made a careless decision on how to open a water bottle and two front teeth succumbed. I rushed to the dentist who put a "bandage" on them adhering them to the other teeth. It is good to have friends support you during transitions. My healthy teeth held up pretty well but it was becoming obvious that the broken teeth would need to be removed and replaced.

So, I am in the process of healing from the removal of those teeth and, once healed, either a bridge or implants will be put in. I am in pain and my diet has changed to accommodate the tenderness. In about four weeks, just about when the pain is gone, the rest of the work will commence. More pain.

Lessons learned: Be wary of actions made when you are in a rush and over-tired. Be sympathetic to all dental pain. God's original material is always better than anything man can construct. Pain makes it hard to think. Dental pain makes it hard to think and talk. Reminder that Jesus did not sin even when He was in pain.

O Father You have brought Your Word to us today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9dpmp_-TY0&feature=player_embeddedI handled my Bible more reverently today after watching this video. Transitions and Transformations through the Truth.