There’s a song out there which follows the lines of kids with only one shoe, no hot water, and no breakfast, voices loud, we’re already late and the baby has a bad diaper which requires a bath and a new outfit. I think the punch line was, “We lost our religion going to church on Sunday morning.”
We’ve had a lot of Sunday’s like that around here. I’m embarrassed to admit it. And it never fails that once we get there the lesson is on caring enough about God to be on time to church.
Most times, the problem starts on Saturday night; I just don’t notice it then. I accept an evening invitation that keeps us out too late to bathe the children the night before. The week’s been so busy and the weekend worse, that I can’t tell you where the clean underwear is or why Son#1’s dress shirt is missing a button and his suit has wedding frosting on the pants.
In addition to helping the children get ready for church, I’m usually preparing a nice dinner in the morning before we leave. It will cook in the timed oven or crock-pot and be hot and ready to eat when we get home. This takes time, and I often feel pressure to make it awesome and not be late!
Today, I spent the day sick in bed. I probably won’t be going to church tomorrow morning. Poor Darren will have to sing a solo to the elderly at Carmel Hills (not what they had in mind when they invited our 5 cute little kids to come out–sigh.)
I’ve been using my down time thinking about how to make things better. Here’s my list:
1. Don’t stay out too late on Saturday night.
2. Bathe children Saturday instead of Sunday morning.
3. Prepare dinner in the slow cooker the night before and slip it in the fridge. Then just set it in the base and turn it on in the morning. No Stress!
4. Put bread dough in the bread machine the night before and time delay start for breakfast. Yum!
5. Lay out clothing the night before. Be sure everything is clean, mended and pressed. Locate 2 shoes and appropriate socks for each child.
Note to self: Remember, going to church should be a happy occasion. It’s a joy and a privilege to go. If after all I can do, the needs of my children mean we need to be late, so be it. All I can do is my best. And if I can do it cheerfully, I’ve won the victory.
I can really certainly relate! It seems as if Sunday mornings have been more stressful than not since I had children. (And despite the fact that we were home all day, the girls still managed to get to bedtime without baths….) Fortunately, they are fiinally to an age where they both are behaving beautifully during the service….and so if we are a bit harried getting out the door than at least I know I can relax and enjoy once we get there!
I love you pic. It has sparked so many memories. I remember walking there with my Grandma when I was little so she could clean. Playing the paino and singing with my sister ( play church). Playing by the bell. Sunday morning service, the old man who would give me candy.Grandma making “babies” with her hanky for me. Basket dinners and icecream socials…..funerals, my grandpa and grandmas. That was so long ago. Haven’t thought of it in a while.. thank you for that.
Thank you for posting this. I needed to read it today! Blessings….
Michele
I’m also home today instead of going to church. And my family was supposed to greet today. I just don’t think anyone wants to shake hands with a family suffering from major upper-respiratory infections. I spent last week teaching VBS with 18 active 2nd graders followed by most of the day yesterday volunteering at my son’s swim meet. Now it is on my schedule to be sick, but only for the next 24 hours! LOL!
I have found that a bit of Saturday night organization goes a long way on Sunday morning in providing a more harmonious atmosphere for the whole family. We are trying our best not to stay out too late on Saturday nights also. It’s nice for the parents to be rested and refreshed for Sunday morning’s lesson as well!
A lesson I, too, am being reminded of. A bath for the little guy Sat. night no matter what! I just can’t seem to get that done with all else Sun. morning. Plus, I can let him sleep as long as possible that way allowing me to capitalize on the few extra minutes.
I am also trying to make sure the dishwasher is loaded and done, trash is empty and some type of food ready for Sun. on Saturday. This helps to not come home in a rush to feed the family and not have tons of clean up to do either.
Just recently found your place here and am thoroughly enjoying it!! Thanks!
I also have the rule that the church clothes must be picked out (including socks, shoes, matching hair ties), the little ones bathed, dinner in the crockpot, and something sorted out for breakfast BEFORE we leave of we have a Saturday evening invitation or hubby and I have a date.
So true, I have been trying to get these things done too. Thank you for the helpful goals.
SO true. Wonderful post! Thanks.