It's my choice.....today, I will be joyful!

Well, "tis the season" right? All the decorations are up, the baking is done, all my shopping is about done, not wrapped, but that will happen tomorrow, and we even have snow....and it's coming down again right now. The outside looks so pretty, like a winter wonderland. But, what is it? Why then, am I not joyful? Sometimes I feel like that mom on the "Wonder Years" remember her, "Norma" that was her name. She was such a kind mom, who was always so giving and loving to her family. She kept her house perfect for her family, made a meal every night, helped her "Kevin" with his homework when he needed help, and even gave advice, when her kids didn't want it. She did all that, and in return, what did she get back....no kindness. And what about her husband? All he would do is grunt, mumble something under his breath, (I hate that, it's so unkind!) so she couldn't hear it, but she really did. He had a temper, and was hardly ever in a good mood.

Well, to be very honest with you, (sorry family) I've been feeling like "Norma" lately. Kids are moody, not obeying, giving me a hard time, especially Becca. no appreciation, I keep the house in order, make a delicious meal EVERY night for my family, try to be in a good mood for them.....talkative with everyone. I wake up happy all the time, but then something happens, bad attitudes are everywhere in this house lately. My hubby is a GREAT guy, loving, that's why I married him....my best friend, but I've notice he's very much starting to have some characteristics like poor "Norma's" hubby, and I'm not liking it one bit!

Is that why I'm not joyful? I do think it's a big part of it. Ephesians 4 :32 says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" Now, I'm not perfect, and everyone will agree with me, I need to learn this verse as well.....but I'm tired of feeling like "Norma", and I want to start feeling like Liz again! I think it's my choice, even though everyone around here is moody, can never compliment, and doesn't know how to show any kind of appreciation for all the "stuff" I put up with. I don't have to do all the "nice" things I do for my family, but I choose to, because, guess what.... I love my family. And even though they ALL, yes all, of them walk all over me, I'm the wife and mother, and I still do it all. Someday, I sure hope the appreciation and kindness will follow, cause it just ain't here! But today I will start, and I will choose to be joyful, no matter what.......hey you never know, it may filter out all the moodiness in this house.