Loving the Little Years

It's been months I know but with going to Michigan and then deciding to go to Berlin, it is just been a lot of other things to worry about.  That said, I have been thinking about something and thought I would hash it out here.  I can't really speak for other cultures but at least in America we seem to be a country of complainers.  I feel like I witness this often in my Facebook newsfeed.  Lest this seems like accusing only other people let me share about myself and get at my greater point.  Before I had my three girls I was selfish...but one important thing...I didn't really KNOW it. Nothing will bring it out like marriage and then in a greater way children.  This is a beautiful result but is of course SO hard.  For me a major source of struggle was over sleep.  Because of a few different reason, one of my girls just had a lot of sleeping issues for a long time....years actually.  So for years I would be up at night multiple times.  There is no denying the effects of poor sleep on the human body.  I feel like I was often tired and grumpy, and I felt sorry for myself a lot.  I always wanted people to know how much sleep I got so they could feel sorry for me too.  When the twins were little I remember often commenting about how hard life was because I just wanted people to KNOW and feel bad with me.  here's the thing Life actually was really hard...I probably made it harder by having a bad attitude though.  Lately I read a book called, "Loving the little Years" by Rachel Jancovich.  She brought this tendency to my mind and pointed out the futility of this.  For example...does my posting on Facebook of all places about how little sleep I got, or what a terror my kid is being help anything or anyone?  Does it honor God?  In fact, when it comes to sleep why keep track anyway? The kids don't care what time it is, they must need Mommy.  I have been trying in those moments instead to embrace the gift...why did I think having kids would be easy...I didn't know I thought that...but when I complain it   brings to the forefront an idea that maybe I deserve an easier life.  Now, to be clear...LIFE IS HARD sometimes and so is parenting....but what I want to work on is my attitude and belief  system or view of God in it.   If I am tired or frustrated or confused or whatever it is...who do I go to first...It should and must be The Source of wisdom, and peace, and patience and Joy and endurance.  I really encourage moms with multiple little ones to read this great gospel centered book, " Loving the Little Years-Motherhood in trenches"