I am not sure what just happened ... but I am glad I spotted it.
As I was waking up this morning I began to feel that we needed to become more intentional as a family. We needed to make an effort to spend more meals at the table than just on special occasions. Many times we eat together ... but typically in the living room so as I awakened I knew today was the day. I didn't want to blink and see that my kids were grown and gone and I missed the opportunity so I secretly set the plan in motion ... tonight would be the night.
Now, typically whenever I plan something special, it seems like something happens to make it go wrong so many times I think I should just plan it and pretend it's spontaneous, thinking it wouldn't jinx it.
Satan has been a little bothersome lately. He doesn't like it when things are going well ... or on the verge of something amazing happening so waits for just the right moment to strike. He's patient like that but this mama does not like it when he tampers with her family.
We got home from a very busy day. Two of my three kids collapsed and fell asleep. I invited them all the help me prepare dinner but I busied myself and was okay (tonight) to do it alone, as I was excited about the new devotional we were going to begin as a family. After I got the girls to set the table (and then one promptly went back to sleep on the sofa) dinner was about to be ready.
I called the kids to come to the table ... I called again ... repeatedly until the half asleep, grumpy and not hungry teenagers approached the table. Hmmmm, not exactly the way I envisioned it but hey, we were all at the table. One child completely ignored all table manners learned growing up as the child practically sprawled out on the table, hoping to satisfy my need for their presence yet very clearly not wanting to be there.
Suddenly ... KABOOM! I was there but have no idea what actually happened. My two children who are typically the closest got into it. One child egging the other on while the other kept leaving the table, despite my requests to return. There was some disrespect going on and I didn't like it at all.
I made sure all children were back to the table and decided we would have our family devotion time. The new plan I wanted to start together wasn't working so I opted for a new one until I could figure out how to access the one I really wanted. Well, God handpicked this one for us, for which I am thankful.
Before I could even begin I left several times to get my one teenager to come back to the table. I informed all the kids that Satan didn't want us to have this time together so we were going to stand united and smack him down together because he most definitely was not going to win my family.
I read the devotional and it was just perfect for me. There's been a few things I was struggling with and God sent me the message of complete trust in Him and take some godly risks. We prayed and the kids all separated into their own safe havens.
I know as the kids anticipate the changes about to happen in our families they may be on edge but I was thankful I could spot the tactics of the enemy and work together to make sure we stood firm and united. I have spoken to both of the offending parties about seeking each other out to discuss the words that were flung. I encouraged them to do it soon because you never know what might happen and they wouldn't want to live in regret.
I hope they are thinking and praying about it ... as I sit in a very silent house. A welcome moment from the chaos that had erupted. I still don't know what happened ... besides exhaustion, teenage attitudes and who knows what. This isn't their typical behavior (praise God).
Tomorrow will go better. I am excited to see how these things will draw us closer together. It did actually warm my heart to see the two who are usually "at it" getting along. One day they all will and my heart will treasure that.
Tonight was real ... but we stood ... wavering a bit ... but firm.
Until next time ... don't let the enemy win ...
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