When Daddy's Late

     Ask ANY mother what the hardest hour of the day is, and my guess is that 9 times out of 10 you will hear a groan escape her lips, just prior to the words, "The supper hour, of course." 

     If you have children that can move around on the their own two knees or feet, you know what I am referring to here.  And if you are the one attempting to put a healthy supper on the table before daddy gets home -- you have already discovered that life at the supper hour is not predictable.

     "Mommy, the dog's chewing my stuffie!"

     "Mommmm, the toilet is overflowing again!"

     "Mom, I fell and my lip is bleeding!"

     After all, we ARE moms -- we rush to the aid of others all day long! 

     We rescue perishing toys, we play the role of plumber, we attempt being a doctor of small injuries . . . and that is only in between the roles we play of teacher, judge and housekeeper!  Are you feeling tired yet?

     This short list - which barely scratches the surface of an average day - certainly gives credit to why our patience can wear thin near the supper hour.  And all the while we are desperately casting glances over our shoulder hoping to catch a glimpse of "daddy" stepping confidently over the threshold of the doorway to our rescue, with his super hero cape fluttering in the breeze. 

     The truth is, the closer we get to the supper hour, the more we feel it's time for the reserves to march in with fresh strength for the battle. 

     In fact, if we are honest, we can be tempted to set our expectations higher and higher, the longer we wait, so that by the time the lucky man walks through the door -- Superman would find it hard to match what we expect.

     But what do we do when Daddy's late? (or worse; Daddy's away?)  (or hardest ever; there is no Daddy at all?)

     1) We keep smiling
     Unless someone needs to be rushed to the emergency, we will survive the next hour, so we may as well do it with a smile on our faces . . . our kids will notice the difference.

     2) We speak positive words only
     One of the enemy's greatest temptations during "solo supper hours" is for us to put down or criticize the man we wish was there to help us, but the reality is - if he's not there, he's not there!  Why damage our kids and families just because we are tired?

     3) We watch for ways to ease the chaos
     When we plan ahead there are many ways to curb the pending disasters; whether it be a healthy snack (our kids have always loved sampling frozen veggies before they are put in the water / carrot sticks / lettuce leaves - if it's veggies, it can't hurt that much) or a surprise coloring page or even a batch of play dough reserved for these moments only.

     4) We ask God to give us His strength
     If there was ever a time to apply the verse, "When I am weak, He is strong" it has to be at the supper hours at which we are flying solo -- God is there, ready and able to step in when we ask.

     Supper hours, although they can feel more like zoos than  restaurants, don't have to be miserable.  Our attitude as moms probably determines 90% of the experience in the home. 

     So mom -- happy or not -- ask God to give you the heart to serve your family just one more hour with a smile on your face!  And if that man comes home late, warm up his plate and welcome him home.  Chances are he's had a hard day too!

"If any (mom) serves,

(she) should do it with

the strength God provides,

so that in ALL things

God may be praised."

I Peter 4:11