The afternoon flew by with preparations for a trifle I was supposed to take, and a devotional I was asked to give at a combined baby/bridal shower for my sisters-in-law that evening. After bathing, dressing and combing the children (and myself), I gathered sippy cups, gifts, notes and my dessert. In the middle of it all, the kiddos escaped outside and started playing. I was so irritated! The last thing I needed was dirty children that needed a change of clothing! I hollered at them to come get in the vehicle, impatient to get going. I knew I wasn't being kind and I felt sorry about that, but frustration ruled. We got loaded up and headed back the lane to pick up a sister-in-law, while guilt plagued my mind. I knew I needed to make things right with my children for how I mis-handled the last few (frustrating) hours. I told them that I was sorry for how I spoke and asked for their forgiveness, which they readily gave!
Everything went smoothly at the shower, and before long we were on our way home again. Somehow, the subject came up again and Hadassah said "You shouldn't be frustrated! That isn't a good mother!" Her words were like a knife to my heart. I knew it was true, and it hurt deeply to know that my actions hurt her! But I wasn't prepared for what happened next. She volunteered to pray for me "right here in the vehicle"! And she did. It was the sweetest prayer, asking God to bless me and help me not to be frustrated and make me a good mother. She said something silly and then giggled, while I sniffed and wiped some tears from my eyes.
God met me there that night, in the heartfelt prayer of my child. Sometimes, He uses a child to lead me.
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