We Finally Got It Right at 8:05 p.m.

We all have days when we're not the best versions of ourselves.  The same goes for our kids. 

Unfortunately, you're in for rough time if all members of your household cash in their "worst version of themselves free card" on the same day, like some catastrophic alignment of bad moods, surliness, exhaustion, impatience, and hormones.  (As Anne Lamott once wrote, "The more I think about it, the only reason various societies work is because we’re not all depressed at the same time.”)

My daughters and I recently had one of these days -- a lengthy and draining endeavor where everyone was off  from the moment our feet hit the floor.

I couldn't wait for bedtime.

During the evening hustle of giving baths, signing a forgotten permission slip, brushing teeth, and breaking up an argument about whether someone really meant to spit their toothpaste on someone else's hand or whether it was merely an accident, I stopped cold.

It wasn't too late to fix the day.

When each girl finally had climbed under the covers, I moved between the rooms, visiting each bed, stooping down to give hugs, brushing hair away from foreheads, rubbing backs, and offering goodnight prayers.  Individually, I apologized to each girl for my bad attitude and sharpness throughout the day.

Reese wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed as she said, "I'm sorry, too."  Brooke whispered into the dark, "You're a good mommy, Mommy."  Kerrington reached toward my face, cupping it with both of her hands in a way that removed any traces of the day's lingering sting.

We finally got it right at 8:05 p.m. 

God's mercy isn't just new every morning; it flows through the nooks and crannies of hard afternoons and rough evenings, too.

It's never too late to start a day over.


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10 comments

  1. Wow, was this meant for me? I can't tell you how many days go like the one your describing. We always end the day with prayers, but I don't 'make things right' nearly the way I should. I do try while I'm angry though. I'll start talking sharply with Sophie and find myself telling her that I love her very much, in the same tone.

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  2. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Bless you. Sharing. <3

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  3. I've had those days too. After one particularly bad night all 4 of us climbed into my daughter's bed and asked each other for forgiveness and said our prayers together. It was late at night but it's never too late to turn the day around :)

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  4. Mari CoronaOctober 31, 2013

    Beautiful share love it!!! Every day is a chance at a new start for sure :)

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  5. Oh Robin. I love this. I love that redemption can come at anytime, we just have to embrace it. I love that you all got it right at 8:05 pm. So beautiful.


    Wishing you a wonderful day.
    xoxo

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  6. This is such a "happy ending" post. I love it.

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  7. Oh man, I've been there with the sharp tone even when I'm trying to make things right, too. It's hard some days, isn't it? I so deeply need to draw on God's grace and compassion, as I'm consistent in falling short and getting frustrated. I feel you, my friend!

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  8. TheMultitaskingMummyNovember 08, 2013

    That is a truly beautiful post and thank you for sharing and linking up.

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