Be Dependable

I heard this quote on Sunday, and I jotted it down because it really spoke to me.  

A pet peeve of mine is undependable people.  It really irritates me when someone says they will do something and then they don't do it.  Why commit to something if you aren't able or aren't willing to follow through?  Just say no.  I understand we all can be forgetful at times or things happen, but these aren't the instances I'm talking about.  I have always considered myself a dependable person.  I want people to trust me and know I am good for my word.  I'm trying to teach my children this quality.  I'm also trying to be patient with those who don't think like me or don't always follow through on what they say they will do.

I liked this quote, and proudly thought, "Yes, I'm dependable.  I'm proving that to God, and in turn He is making me into something greater and more capable than I was."  And then I applied it to motherhood.  Ouch.  It made me take a step back and think, "Can my kids depend on me to always greet them cheerfully? Can they depend on me to remember every morning and nighttime prayer and have the patience to participate without rolling my eyes and giving them a "the glare"? Can they depend on me to listen to their stories without losing interest?"

What a blessing families are.  It is, sadly, the place where we hurt each other the most, but it is also the place we grow and forgive the most.  It is a journey and one that we have to do together.  Not one of us can make it on our own.  My kids forgive me every single day, and for that I am forever grateful.  Together we are learning, growing, becoming better, and becoming more dependable and available...to each other and to Heavenly Father.