The Love Jar

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; 

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

I spent the last four days home sick. Mom being sick takes a toll on the whole family, and when that family is already balancing precariously on the ridge of peace and happiness, Mommy sick days tend to tip that scale. To the wrong side.

When I'm sick, my patience level isn't exactly at an all-time high, and the overly-dramatic flair that regularly occurs at our house can be more irritating than endearing. In happy-la-la land, Mommy being sick would include peace and quiet, a favorite book and the latest Victorian era Netflix series, and an unlimited supply of saltine crackers and orange juice. I would ring my little bell and my children would scamper in with a "Yes Mommy dearest? What is it that you need?" and the husband and children would take care of the cleaning and household duties so I could rest peacefully without any additional worries to interfere with my recovery.

Well, I got the orange juice--spilled on the living room carpet.

I am actually very grateful for what I do have, truly. My sweet son did refill my water whenever I asked, and dear husband did bring home pizza for dinner. But by day three of Mommy out of commission, we'd all had enough. Tempers flared, tantrums roared, and cough attacks became my only deterrent from hollering at the most precious creatures in my life every five minutes.

Having just barely launched this little crusade of mine to share light, hope, and peace, it became my great test to practice what I preach. So I took a deep breath, waited until the cough attack subsided, looked around at my dirty for days house, tried smiling at my done-with-it-all husband and children, and my eyes fell on my love jar.

Because we know there are going to be bad days, it has become very important for my husband and me to build up our relationship reserves. For Valentine's Day, Braden gave me this jar. In it are over 100 pieces of paper with love notes and reasons why he loves me. I frequently walk into the bedroom to see him sitting on my side of the bed, strip of paper and pen in hand, adding more to my love jar. Just seeing this jar made my crankiness fade away. Yes, we are all grating on each others' nerves right now, and yes, being sick stinks. But here beside me on my nightstand are 100 reasons why none of that really matters. Here I have 100 reminders that I am special to someone special.

Being sick will pass. The house will get cleaned, eventually. Maybe. Our moods will improve and we'll forgive each other for being sick of Mommy being sick.

And in the meantime, I have a love jar.