One of the tools in counseling is asking the “miracle question.” It goes something like this: Suppose you went to bed tonight and while you were sleeping, a miracle occurred. How would you know when you woke up? What would be different?
As a mom, my biggest wish is for the days to go more smoothly.
I wish for a peaceful, uninterrupted night’s sleep. I wish to wake truly refreshed and ready for all the day may bring. I wish for the energy to tackle a physical workout and spiritual devotional time before everyone else joins me.
I wish for no arguing as we eat breakfast and start schoolwork. I wish for seamless, smooth transitions from work to play. I wish that play were less about screens and more about imagination. I wish for the children to get along with each other and with me, so our errands would go smoothly and without incident.
I wish all these things happened consistently, rather than sporadically.
In other words, smooth days seem beyond my grasp.
Yet so much of what matters most is already mine.
I do not have to wish for children who love me and want to be with me. I do not have to wish for a husband who is home with me after so many seasons of separation.
I do not have to wish for supportive family or friends. I do not have to wish for enough food or a place to call home, even during times of transition.
I do not have to wish for peace, grace, or salvation.
No, my days do not run smoothly in this season of life, but I have so much for which to be thankful.
Perhaps the miracle is not a perfectly smooth day. Perhaps I need to notice how much I have already been given.
8 comments
Janine Huldie
Aw, I am with you on this and know I, too, have so much to be thankful for in this time of my life, as well. Hugs and thank you for sharing here today 😉
growin49_wp
It’s easy to forget all we have to be thankful for during the daily grind. Glad you stopped by today. Thanks as always for being a gracious hostess!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons
I have never hear of that “miracle question,” but it really is telling if you think about it. My days are rarely smooth either, but I try to remember to count my blessings.
growin49_wp
I use variations of the Miracle Question often, as it really does get people to think about what they want out of a given situation (I may or may not use this technique on friends who come to me looking for free therapy).
Rabia @TheLiebers
I was complaining to my mom yesterday and then turned myself around a burst into tears thinking about all the moms in this world who don’t have a safe place to raise their kids. It gave me a lot of good perspective and it was really what I needed to feel grateful again. I’m also working on what I cna do to help those other moms.
growin49_wp
I will be interested to see what you come up with – we all need each other in this parenting thing!
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files
What a great message. Thanks!
growin49_wp
Any time! So glad you stopped by and bombarded me with comments 😉