What is my message?

This was a question that Quatro Mama posted on Twitter while she was at Blissdom.  What is my message?  Since Blissdom was a convention held this last weekend in Tennessee for bloggers all over the country, I had a feeling this was in respect to having a successful blog following and what you are wanting to convey to your readers.  I think it is a FANTASTIC question.  In fact, I immediately came over to my blogging dashboard and began a new post just so I didn't forget it.  Forget about what my message is to just my blogging buddies, but what is my message to everyone I meet?  I know.  I know.  You are all tired of all this internalizing I've been doing lately, but I love those moments that alter your day and give you a new perspective on life.

Last week I mentioned my purpose and how I am labeled, but what about my message?  As a communications major in college we learned about nonverbal messages and how without saying a word you can convey a multitude of messages.  Just by the way you stand, the expression on your face, the way you turn your body, even the way you breathe can send scores of signals to those around you whether you intend to or not.  When this question popped up on my Twitter page I immediately thought of my children.  What is my message to them?  I could beat myself up over this one because I know the message I send to my kids sometimes is not the one I would chose to have them see.  How many times a day am I asked to find toys or begged for a movie and I shake my head?  How many times do I have to remind my kids to flush the potty and utter under my breath, "Holy Cannoli, they are going to be 20 before they learn to do this"?  How many times a day do I sigh as loud as I possibly can when I have to pick up the room full of toys for the 15th time?  I need to sensor myself.  God's message to us is simple.  It is one of love, acceptance and forgiveness.  Oh how I want to emulate HIM and be those things to my children.  If I don't strive for these messages then how will they know to be that way with others.  God has entrusted me with very impressionable, little humans that look up to me for guidance and direction.  How can I discipline them when I, their example, has failed them in teaching them the right way to handle day to day living?  The excerpt below is from The Message, (highlighting is mine);

Ephesians 6

 ^1-3 Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." ⁴Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.

 ^5-8Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.

 ⁹Masters, it's the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.

So, thank you Blissdom for putting that question out there this weekend and thank you Quatro Mama for sharing it because I believe this was something that needed changing in my life.  It definitely has helped to me to think BEFORE reacting.  I believe that my message will come full circle if it is the right one and will reap rewards in my children's lives if they can share the same message with others.  As a stay at home mother there are lots of non fun jobs, laundry comes to mind, but my prayer is that God will help me to always have a smile on my face because little ones are watching and to remember that by having a cheerful heart in all I do, I am serving Him.