get to bed

this is the time of night when its all we can do to get our kids in bed and all of us still speak nicely to each other.  when it comes to cleaning their room and getting dressed, they are like the dog who bolts whenever it sees a squirrel.  suddenly everything becomes really interesting and important.  the catalog that arrived three days ago, the car driving down the street, plans for tomorrow are all distractions that pull them away from the task at hand.  getting dressed, brushing their teeth, etc.

We started a tradition several years ago that centers us after the hectic, crazy getting to bed frenzy.  We sit together and we each tell about the best part of our day.  At first, we talked about the best and worst parts of our day, but we found that the worst part quickly became a griping session.  So now we end the day with gratitude.  There is always something to be thankful for.  Sometimes after a hard day at the office for Dad, the best part is coming home.  Sometimes after a hard day for mom, the best part is Dad coming home. 

Then we pray.  We sing before the icon corner and remember what is true and real and beautiful. We lay aside the frustrations and burdens of the day.  The hymn we often sing is the oldest hymn outside of the Bible.  I think of generations of mothers, weary from the day of work and child raising, remembering in their deep down souls the glory of God and turning their grumbling hearts to praising hearts.

For meet it is at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise. O Son of God and Giver of Life, therefore all the world doth glorify Thee.