As a mother, each day I have two wishes
- everyone will get along and be happy
- an attitude of helpfulness will permeate the house. Whether it be doing chores for mom, telling Anna how to spell a word for one of her many notes & letters, or showing Payton how to play a tricky rhythm on the piano.
I often vocalize these wishes in our morning family prayer, "please help us to be kind and helpful." Not only do I hope for a few helpful nudges from above, but this is also my subtle way of sending a morning memo to the fam. You are all under notice.
The day begins, we go through the routines, life happens . . . and we hear things like,
Conner in frustration: "Anna, you are never going to have a husband!!"
But luckily, we also hear things like,
"Conner, I think you'll look great with glasses." Said by Payton after Conner gets the news from the eye doctor and isn't too happy about this new accessory for his face.
and
"I have the best 2 brothers I ever had!" Said gleefully by Anna as she bounces back and forth between the playroom where Payton has created a massive train track for her and the boys' bedroom where Conner has invited her to a dance party.
and
"you're way hotter than her." In an e-mail from Scott. Thanks, babe.
I often think of a quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin, "There is no substitute for kindness in the home." Yes. A little kindness goes a long way and I'll take as much as I can get.
