If Mama Ain't Happy...

Okay, it's confession time. The last few days I have been anything BUT the perfect parent. (And let's be honest--I never even come close!) I have been grumpy, quick to become angry, nit-picky, etc. I have not controlled my tongue, and my children have born the brunt of it. I could make all sorts of excuses, like, "The weather is making my grumpy, " or "If my kids would only get along, I would be a happier mom." The problem is, if I am trying to teach my boys (and eventually Caroline) to be self-controlled and kind, I need to model good behavior. I don't know if they are picking up on my grumpy cues or if they would be difficult regardless, but we have not had a happy home the past week. It's amazing how Scripture can really speak to the heart of the problem. Today I read, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again. Rejoice!" in Philippians 4:4. I am thankful for the reminder that, regardless of my emotions, I need to to choose to have joy, and hopefully teach my children to choose joy as well.