It had been a long couple of weeks. Waking up at 4 a.m. and getting home around 8 p.m.. I just needed a couple hours of sleep to feel human. Being a ranch cook is no easy task. Early mornings driving to headquarters, breakfast on the table by 7a.m. and finishing the long day left me frazzled. The last thing I needed was whatever was keeping me awake. I would just get to sleep and there it was again. Something landing or brushing against my feet. The last time I woke up there he was. Our youngest….with a feather in his hand, ducking beneath the bed, laughing at moms questioning frustration. I can’t say I blame him. He, like most ranch kids rode along in the pickup beside a roaster of food, while racing towards headquarters.Sometimes he even drove, barely able to see above the stirring wheel, so I could put my hair up and add a little mascara. He was ready to play and I was in no mood.
My warnings did nothing for him. Several of them only led me to more frustration. I did what most of us would do but hate to admit. I took him by the shoulders and shook him. “Leave me alone!! I just want a nap!” His eyes as big as saucers and broken hearted he went into the next room.
Have you ever been there? About to lose it or disappointed when you do? It may not be your child that gets you to that point. It might be a heated argument with your spouse or your boss. Sometimes we hate to admit that we are at that point but what can we do before we get there?
How To Hold On When You Feel You’re Gonna Lose It.
* Be Consistent: Many of our frustrations are due to inconsistency. We discipline our kids for not listening one time and are more lenient the next. The inconsistency leaves them confused and guessing whether they really have to do it this time or not. We end up frustrated, resulting in things like. “I’m gonna count to three!” or “wait until your father gets home!”
*Get Help: Mom’s often feel bad if they aren’t with their children 24/7. If you don’t have family members living nearby, find a good sitter. Believe me, it’s worth it to take a little break now and then to go out with your spouse or even take a much needed nap.
*Sleep On It: The Word says not to go to bed angry. I agree with that. If you are in a heated discussion with your spouse, agree that you love each other but if it’s late and you are just worn out….GO TO BED! A fresh new perspective in the morning can be the best thing. Don’t let it be an excuse to ignore the problem but agree to address it first thing.
*Hold Your Tongue: That’s self explanatory. Use wise words or no words until you can say them without bringing out several different personalities….oh boy!
*Think Of The End Result: That was the only time I ever shook one of my boys. We did spank our boys, but not in the heat of frustration, but after explaining what they did and giving them one pop on the bottom. We also explained to them forgiveness and saying we are sorry when we mess up. I had to ask my son to forgive me that day. We are good parents with a close family but we all are imperfect people . Sometime our Christ like example is forgiving and being forgiven.
Titus 1:7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain
What do you do when you feel like you’re gonna lose it? I would love to hear your comments and appreciate you reading……..thecowboypastorswife
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