I was tested today

Sydney is my trial,  I just know it.  Today something as simple as asking her to clean her room, turned into a multi hour fight.  She pushed every  button she could,  told me she hated me, wished for a new family, etc.  You get the picture.  Yet I held my ground, didn't give in and eventually she did it my way.  Did what I asked her to do.  I am reminded that today the Lord graced me with patience.  I didn't explode, which is unlike me.  I know Sydney will continue to push those buttons, and she and I will grow as a result.  My job as her mother is to guide these situations so that we both get the best out of them.  I love my Miss Diva, even when she goes the way of her mother as a child.  So Mom, I get it, I'm sorry.  And I acknowledge, the Tender Mercies given to me today so that I could deal with this and not lose it.