A Meek and Quiet Spirit

MEEK:  "Mild of temper, soft, gentle,
not easily provoked or irritated."

Webster's Dictionary 1858

A kind friend lent me a little book titled, "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit." 
Filled with a new found sense of encouragement and instruction, I prayed last night for
God to start teaching me how to have a meek and quiet spirit. 
About to begin our third year homeschooling, my mind has been busy with curriculum plans, organization, and regaining our routine.  I've been more tired, more irritable, and busier this summer than I would have liked.  Being meek or quiet really do not describe me, especially lately.

I fell asleep with this verse from Philippians 4:13 on my heart. 

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. "

I awoke this morning to a tap tap on my shoulder.  It was Isaac.

"Mom.  I just threw-up in my room."

I rolled over, only to notice that Elaina, who had snuck into our bed during the night,
had wet through her pull-up and onto our sheets.
Seconds later, a scream from the baby pierced through the hall,
followed by Nathaniel asking me what was for breakfast. 
My alarm rang a minute after that, beckoning me to take my morning walk.

I wanted to scream. 

I wanted to hide. 

I certainly wasn't thinking very meek or quiet thoughts.

I set myself to cleaning.  To washing.  To holding. To feeding.

Later, with my husband at the kitchen table, it occurred to me what I had done.

"It's because I prayed last night."

"What?"  he asked.

"I prayed last night for God to teach me how to have a meek and quiet spirit.  That's why."

Saul asked me if I thought God was punishing me.

No. Not punishing. Pruning.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:1-4

Pruning.  Shaping.  Guiding. 

All because I asked. 

Now I must choose. 

I can choose to have a mild temper. 

To be soft, gentle.

To be meek and quiet.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength...