So, yesterday I had a really good day. My house was clean (this always helps), I got to spend time with some friends, I was well rested (thanks to my 1 year old), and I got some things accomplished. When my husband got home, he was in a good mood as was my little one (he LOVES his daddy). It was just a really good day. My husband made the comment “I’m in a really good mood…I think my mood is derived from your mood…” It’s funny, because I think I’ve noticed the same thing. I was journaling this morning and it hit me…WOW! What a responsibility.
If you are a faithful reader of the finer days…you’ll know that I’ve struggled a bit lately with finding the joy in my new stage of life. (God is doing some amazing work there). So, needless to say, my mood isn’t always the greatest. Especially at the end of the day when I’m tired, baby is fussy, and daddy comes home and all I want to do is leave everything and go take a nap! But, it hit me this morning that I bear the incredible responsibility of setting the tone for my family. Think about it…when you were little…if mom was upset, did you just go along playing and feeling calm and happy? Probably not. I know I didn’t. If mom was unhappy, I was worried and unhappy as well. Don’t get me wrong, my mom did a great job at setting the tone as best she could given all that she had to deal with. You’ve probably heard the saying “If mamma aint happy, aint nobody happy”. Yeah…it is probably true.
So, here’s my new challenge. In no way am I called to be fake and put on a smile when I’m hurting. Perhaps I am called to set aside my stuff so that I can set a positive tone for my husband and children. Setting aside does not equal ignoring…but not allowing it to dictate my attitude. I heard a book review of “Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti” where they talked about how men have the ability to compartmentalize (waffle) whereas women allow things to hit them like a giant meatball landing in a bowl of spaghetti…it affects every noodle of her life. Perhaps on this one we need to take some advice from our men?
I was at work a while back and someone made the comment “You are always so happy and cheerful”. I think they compared me to sunshine. I was like “Who in the world are you talking about?” Funny…my husband had the same reaction. Why am I saving my optimism and joy for my coworkers and clients? Doesn’t my family deserve it even more?
Do you find the same thing in your home? How do you maintain a positive attitude for your family?
Amen Girl Friend!
ReplyDeleteOnce again something that is hitting very close to home for me! When I stress the whole house is tense, and the good thing is I am aware of the whole "action, reaction" around my house. I am seriously trying to make a conscious effort to stop this domino effect of stress. Especially with the start of homeschool. I am realizing more than ever the effects of my mood, and what kind of power it has to change the tone around here. I agree we certainly can not fake our mood, but keeping a good check on my emotions is where I need to start. Prayers for all of us mothers who want to better our children, not just "deal" with our children!
I struggle with this constantly, so much so that I almost feel like a different person at work then I do at home. And even though I work with my husband, when I get home, I just want to crawl into bed and have a good time out! We all need to pray for each other, being moms, whether working or at home, is no easy task! However, it is the most rewarding!
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