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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Snap (09/04/08)
I’ll admit it. I have a temper! I like to think I know how to keep it under wraps, but that doesn’t always ring true. When someone pushes my buttons, my temper flares with a snap-crackle-pop quicker than a king-sized bowl of Rice Krispies!

My husband has a quick wit and often brightens my day with his own unique brand of humor. On occasion, however, he uses his laughter-inducing superpowers for a dastardly little exercise he likes to refer to as “winding her up and watching her spin.” Something that started out as a joke swiftly begins to unnerve me, and before I know it, SNAP! A verbal return fire comes flying out of my mouth.

One of the greatest blessings in my life is being a mother. I have two boys—two wonderful boys! Two wonderful, BUSY, ACTIVE boys! My boys, like all young boys, know how to push Mama’s buttons. Oh, they don’t always mean to, but the inevitable happens. I can only handle so many of my 7-year-old’s “Maaaaaaaammmmmmma!” or “Where’s my homework?!” or “Eww, I don’t want to eat that!” before CRACKLE!—the veneer of motherly patience breaks down into a few dozen itty bitty pieces. Add to that the incessant climbing of my 4-year-old, followed by his brother’s cry of, “Mom, he’s on top of the refrigerator again!” and POP!—every last visage of patience disappears.

The Proverbs are full of admonitions against letting our buttons be pushed. Proverbs 17:27 (NIV) says, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Gulp! Swallow that with your morning coffee! Right along with that is Proverbs 14:29 (NIV), “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Uh oh. Have I really tried to understand where my husband and children are coming from? Have I put myself in their shoes and responded with the compassion I would want to receive?

Each day is a new opportunity to focus on the gifts God has blessed me with—a husband who loves to laugh, a son who is bright and inquisitive, and another son who is strong and healthy! Praising God for these blessings is the best way I know to disarm my temper—and save the fireworks display for my breakfast cereal!
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This article has been read 1335 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Beckie Stewart
09/11/08
Good reminder of where we are to focus and see indeed how we are blessed by those who also push our buttons.
Robyn Burke
09/12/08
Fun play on the words. Very descriptive. And what a good reminder of God's word on watching our tongue!
Yvonne Blake 
09/12/08
SMILE... I love your title! The ending was great, too. It really does help to count your blessings when we're ready to POP.
Dan Blankenship
09/13/08
Good beginning and ending, but I found the middle a bit too much like a quick sermon.

I get the message though, and that's what's important.

May God bless and keep you writing!

Sincerely,
Dan Blankenship

Lyn Churchyard
09/13/08
Loved the title. You have done a very good job with this entry, showing how often we "snap" when we shouldn't even be crackling.

Good devotional here. Well done!
Celeste Ammirata
09/16/08
This is fun. I think all moms with young children can relate. Every mom should read the verses you mentioned each and every morning. Well Done :-)
Kristen Hester
09/16/08
Very nice devotional. I love the line: “winding her up and watching her spin.” With four kids (two are boys), I can totally relate to all you said here. Loved it.

Just a thought: I would have liked more showing and less telling. SHOW me a scene where your son climbs on the fridge and your other son is asking a million questions. Put me in the scene. OR put me at a breakfast where your husband "winds you up!" That would be such fun.

Again, good job and great word choices.
Leah Nichols 
09/17/08
Cute devotional! I think you could definitely write more....add a story or two....you do have 750 words to expand to! Good job.
Shelley Ledfors
09/17/08
Very nice devotional. I agree with others that I would have liked to have a bit more in terms of dialoge or scenes to illustrate your great points. I love "winding her up and watching her spin"!
Joy Faire Stewart
09/17/08
Very enjoyable read on topic and great advise.
Tiffanie Chezum
09/18/08
I like this. A very good read. Good job.
Joshua Janoski
09/18/08
Good little devotional. My only complaint is that I wanted more! Feel free to use your full 750 word count.

You told so much truth in this, and I appreciate you sharing it with us all.

I don't know if you are new to the challenge, but I look forward to seeing more entries from you in the future. :)