temper and patience

I interrupt my (semi) regular programing for a pause and to take a deep breath. Maybe it's the potty training, maybe it's the terrible twos, hormones, genetics, but I've been losing my temper at the drop of a hat lately at my son. I yell at him, talk through clenched teeth, etc. And then feel awful afterwards, especially when he looks at me and says "mama happy!" with wide eyes to meet mine. How does he go from dumping his pee all over the bathroom to running up to me excitedly with a book to read so seamlessly?

I wonder if God feels the same way about us. How many times do we go back to the same sin, the same bad habits and thoughts? He should be FUMING!!! And yet He is always there with open arms and comfort when we fail. Amazing. Grace.

I'm convinced one of the reasons why God gifts us with children (especially toddler boys) is to teach us patience. Which is one of my weakest traits. So I'm going to try to pray for patience the next time I catch myself wanting scream, which will probably be within the next hour or so.