I wanted to share this letter that my daughter wrote to me last week. It had been a tough day and I was just plain tired of the kids arguing, being mean to each other, and not getting along. I got so frustrated that I just threw my hands up and started crying.
In response, my daughter quickly came over, gave me a hug, apologized and then retreated to her room. I soon discovered that she had disappeared to write this note. FYI: The boys did follow suit with the hugs and apologies, but quickly went back to playing (and arguing).
It reads…and I quote:
Mom I want you to peace stop crying. I am sad when you cry. I want to be happy and I want you to be happy to. I love you
(She made the “I love you” pop up on the card…hence the shadows.)
Okay, so after reading that, I started crying even more! I know I can’t possibly be the only one, but please reassure me ladies…am I the only mom who has to deal with their kids bickering and arguing? I guess what I should really ask is am I the only one who responds to it by crying?!?!?!
In hindsight, I guess it sounds kind of funny, maybe even silly, but the truth is that we all know parenting is not an easy job! It takes lots of hard work and effort! Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to:
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
The indent reminded me that rather than yelling at the kids (or even just crying), I need to remember to bring it back to the Word and show the kids how their actions line up (or don’t line up) with what God says!
So often it seems easier to just respond in the flesh, but I know that at the end of the day I want to train my kids to obedience according to God’s Word…not according to “because I said so.” (I won’t always be there when they need to make a choice between right and wrong…but God will!!!!)
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
that the man of God may be adequate,
equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
With all that said, I hope to be more prepared when such situations arise. Rather that yelling or crying, I can quote the Word and let THAT convict their hearts and bring them to the obedience of Christ!!
So, I have pulled out Creative Correction which has a great toolbox of Scriptures to use. I like it because the scriptures are already divided into categories based on the various different offenses. My plan is to have these ready to aim and fire the next time I have issues with the kids not getting along!!! I am trusting that God’s Word will not return void!!!! 🙂
