While only one day of the summer is the longest day of the year, today certainly seemed longer.
One of “those days” where the recurring unacceptable behavior is at peak levels.
Maybe Mama was right. The barometric pressure is related to the wildness of children. I often heard her mutter under her breath, “Must be a storm coming.”
Yep, it was that kind of day. The kind that started way too early for the late nights I’d been spending, burning the candle at both ends.
And here we are at the grocery store. Now every sane Mama knows that you don’t take your kids to the grocery store when you feel as though “Storm’s comin!” But empty cupboards and shallow pantries don’t feed a family of nine. So in the store we were. Just three kiddos in tow this time.
There are things to be thankful for.
I love my babies. Truly I do. From the depths of my soul. But… I don’t always love their actions. I know you get it. Sometimes the giggles turn into laughter and the laughter turns into silliness and then, all the sudden someone is crying. Recognize the cycle?
Halfway through the shopping trip however, something unusual occurred.
Enter “Random Man.” An older gentleman who decides to strike up a conversation with the worn-out mother of previously mentioned children.
Says to me: You’re an awfully brave woman shopping with three kids.
To which I replied: Oh, this is only half the children. I have seven.
His turn: They are very well-behaved.
What?!
Are you sure we are talking about my kids?
Perhaps there are other children in this aisle that are modeling the complete shopping mode every mother can only dream of.
Nope. He smiled at my kiddos and they returned his smile.
Many times it is so difficult to see the good in our children. It is as if we are carrying around a magnifying glass and are inspecting every detail, up close and personal. That bedhead hair . The shirt stain from the ketchup at lunch. Sand on the knees from castle play.
But if we drop the magnifying glass, step back and take a look at the whole child, we find a spirit of helpfulness. Or a ready mind. Or a positive attitude.
Which is what “Random Man” could see.
And suddenly the day didn’t seem quite as long. The store didn’t seem nearly as crowded. And my children, well, they were well-behaved.
Suddenly, “Random Man” became “Random Angel.”
And I’m thinking I should have handed him a t-shirt.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
By Rachel,
Just A Mom With A Heart for God
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Random Angel « says
[…] opportunity to write for (in)courage- Home for the Hearts of Women has been afforded to little ol’ me! Woot! So you can start reading this post […]
Amy Hunt says
This really touched me–many times we do carry around a magnifying glass with our children (and our spouses!) and it’s hard to see their good. I’m so glad my Father sees the good in me–every. time.
Rich blessings, Rachel, as your Father’s glory is revealed in your kiddos…
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Thanks, Amy! Such truth about how God views us. Thanks for your encouragement.
Tricia says
oh how this excites me to encourage people around me! Great story for all us mommies!!!
Rachel Wojnarowski says
so glad to hear that!!
Cindy in PA says
Such wonderful encouraging words from your Random Angel. That’s what I love about the (in)courage website….the encouragement we receive from the Daily Guests and from their posts…and we in turn can be an encouragement to others. Thanks for sharing your experience! Blessings!
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Thanks so much Cindy! I appreciate YOUR encouragement through your comment!
Heather Conrad says
I too LOVED the magnifying bit. Oh how we need each other for a little perspective. Thanks for knockin my socks off today. Thanking God for His random angels.
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Definitely need each other, Friend! Bless you for your generous words. As iron sharpens iron.
Mary says
Thank you! My extroverted spirited physical 4 year old boy challenges me so much. Your post is so timely! I’m trying to remember to find the JOY in each say with him- especially on the days when nothing seems good.
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Way to go for trying to remain positive. It’s a challenge, but one that reaps dividends! Thanks for reading.
Summer Sisney says
Rachel,
What a beautifully written “truth in love” moment for me. My magnifying glass has been extra huge having come home from the mission. Thank you for reminding me to see my kids through His eyes and Praise the Lord for Random Angels to encourage a worn out mom, huh?!
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Most definitely Praise the Lord. 🙂 Thanks for stopping over Girl!! Love your heart.
Kim says
Thanks. Good reminder.
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Betty Draper says
We work with lots of young missionaries with lots of young children and there are days when all I do is listen to these young Mom’s speak their worries about their children behavior. Your post was a reminder that those of us whose children have left our nest should at all times be looking for ways to encourage these young Mom’s. Raising children is one of the hardest jobs we do but it also carries the greatest lesson. Their actions and reactions mirror our own. You have heard this, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree”. This always put me on a guilt trip and can still even though my children are adults in their 30’s. That tree was first planted outside the garden and we are all apples fallen from it. I want to be more like that Random Angel giving out Proverbs 25:11 encouragement..turning those apples into gold. Thanks for the challenge.
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Betty, I am so thrilled to hear you were challenged. This man was so God-sent. The great thing is that he didn’t pass up the opportunity. 🙂 Thank you for commenting!
Shari Popejoy says
Rachel,
Too funny! My sister, with her five little stair-steps was telling how a grocery shopping trip can really force a mom to admit her shortcomings when it comes to having well-behaved children. I told her that good mothers NEVER take their children shopping!!
Thanks for the beautiful hint — I want to be a random angel!
Shari
Rachel Wojnarowski says
Thanks, Shari! Neat thing about the random angel…he doesn’t even know the domino effect his encouragement has had. What a dividend to reap in Heaven, huh! 😉