Motherhood is tough

Several times today I wondered if maybe being a brain surgeon would be an easier job then what I was facing as a mother. That, or say a combat specialist, CIA agent, fighter pilot. I can do my part ok. I'm totally fine washing everyone's clothes, I'm ok making the meals, I'm even ok being an encourager. The part that's hard about being a mom is that I can't control how anyone else acts. I can't make my children not complain when I ask them to do something. I can't make my kids get along. I can't make them be productive. And, though I can prod, I found today I cannot actually make them play the piano. They may sit on the bench, but that's not quite the same as playing. What is a mother to do in such a circumstance?
The best part of the day was when we made some popcorn, crawled on the couch, put in a movie, and after the initial complaints of Mom's choice of movie died down, other than the occasional grunt for more popcorn, it was QUIET.
When the kids were all settled into bed, I opened the Bible to where we left off: Matthew16:24. It says, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering;embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?"
Ok, I get it. These days will come. The question is, how will I react? Will I endure, will I trust, will I remain calm, even though the turbulent waters hit me.
I didn't make it through the day perfectly. But I did make it through. And more importantly, at the end of the day, we sang hymns and read the Bible together as a family.
There were more complaints as the light went out, but I'm hoping the message of the gospel will work in their little hearts, and I'm praying for grateful hearts, that learn to avoid complaining and spend more time thanking.