Baby Steps

Maybe I should entitle this Chronicles of a Complaining Wife. I hadn't realized what a complainer I've become over the last few weeks until Matt commented on coming home to a grumpy wife, and a few days later I heard my complaints coming out of our 5-year old's mouth. It was humbling to me to hear how well-trained Camie's becoming in that area. And then very embarrassing when she spilled the whole list of "why I'm grumpy" to Daddy and he asked, "Have you been listening to Mamma? That sounded exactly like what she says." I laughed about it, but felt sick. My excuse has been pain and mental exhaustion, lack of enough help with the kids and house since Matt is swamped with work and Youth-related things. But in the last three days when I've made a real effort not to complain 1) my days have been very enjoyable with the kids 2)I decided to pick a few main things to accomplish in the house and let the rest go. You know the saying about enjoying your kids; housework will wait? Ironically, when I relax and spend time with them, I feel more energetic and end up getting an extra thing or two done.
and
3) I've had relatively little pain. That's the best/worst part. Makes me think that my stinky attitude was adding to my discomfort.
God thinks the same thing, and has for generations:

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Prov. 16:24 (My pain has been from the softening of my bones due to pregnancy hormones. Fewer unpleasant words sure have made a difference.)



"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. " Prov. 12:4



"A nagging spouse is like the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet; You can't turn it off, and you can't get away from it. Your Face Mirrors Your Heart." Prov. 27:15-16 (The Message)












So as hard as it is for my proud self

to admit it, I have been adding to my problems by complaining about them. Even though Matt has still been busy the last few days, we've had snippets of meaningful conversations, he's been more relaxed and rested, and life feels good again. It's amazing how remembering to sound cheerful and to laugh when I talk to him on the phone can make such a difference when he gets home.