Mood swings

hope

Nov 28

It was many years ago.

My husband was walking by me and stopped suddenly.

"Honey, why are you crying?!"

His face was concerned and I felt ridiculous.

I tried to sound less emotional than I was and sniffled out, "There was this commercial that came on and..."

I couldn't finish as trying to tell him about the commercial made it all the more embarrassing.

"A commercial?" He was trying to see if I was pulling his leg.

His expression became incredulous as he looked at me and I had to look away, feeling more ridiculous than ever.

It took a bit of time and a great deal of effort on my side to both calm down and explain that I really was crying over a commercial.

I was pregnant with our first child and neither of us had been warned about the mood swings which came with pregnancy.

Now that I've reached the season where my hormones are off kilter again, the mood swings have returned.

"Mom! Are you okay? Why are you crying?"

Smiling at him, I explained, "I'm just being emotional, Buddy."

He's the youngest of three sisters, so he's learned to tread lightly when the females in his life are emotional.

He and my husband have been very patient and understanding.

I'm being very careful with my viewing choices, which is easier than it was twenty-five years ago.

I'm much more transparent, instead of allowing the emotional rollercoaster to embarrass me, I'm sharing with those around me.

"Please forgive me if I seem abrupt or abrasive, I'm not trying to be, but feeling very crabby today."

I'm apologizing for my errors rather than my emotions.

"Hon, I just felt like you ripped into me about that."

"Oh dear! Darling, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come across that way at all. I'm worried about you and was trying to express my concerns without being overly emotional, forgive me for sounding blunt."

I'm also praying more.

My most frequent request is for the Christ-like quality of meekness and humility.

For although I cannot control what my hormones are doing, I can seek the Lord before I respond.

It's been challenging, but we are growing through the circumstance.

I've been encouraged by this verse:

James 5:11 NKJV — Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the daily encouragement and guidance. Lord, I am so blessed to be able to walk this new challenge with the loving support of my family. Thank You for how You use these things to hone our hearts and help us. Thank You for continuing to teach us what is truly important. Lord, as we walk with You in all things we are so blessed to have Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your love, Jesus. It is amazing! I love You. Amen.