Growing a Tree

Alma 32:43 "Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."

I sure needed to read this scripture tonight after the day I had today. It was long and I wanted to be cranky at night (wanted is not the right word) but it is sure how I felt today and most days when the kids are so tough to get down. But today I reminded myself every minute that I was practicing being "long-suffering" and shouldn't blow my lid over bedtime!

But with a traveling husband and three crazy boys it is hard to stay calm and charitable when you are so worn out from playing out in the hot sun for 8 hours with the kids. I definitely didn't let off much steam, just streamlined the bedtime a little. There are very few days that I wish the kids would "just grow up already," but today I was reminded by this scripture that it is going to be a long process. A tree may sprout up from a seed fairly quickly but it will be years before it bears good fruit!

I have to remember, I am growing a tree. Maybe tomorrow we will do a little better to nurture it and make it feel more loved... even at the end of a long day outside in the hot sun:) Love my little tree family! Just got a little tired, but don't we all!