I'll be honest. There has been a maddening amount of bickering around here lately. I'm not sure why but its atrocious. Funny that's its been hitting like a torrential downpour right during our month where we are focusing on the virtue of love.
I daily feel like I'm going to lose it but God save me, I haven't yet. God be praised for that! I'm as weak and tired as any mama. Part of the routine to combat the bickering have been the memorization of verses to remind of us true love.
It has also helped to remind myself of a few truths. These kiddos have been living this life for 3-7 years. Only 3-7 years of experience. I have to remember that most everything they know they have learned from us, as parents, or each other. They are born little sinners (like me!). They know how to be selfish, how to be discontent, and how to let their passions blow like a volcano. I cannot be angry because they think of themselves first and fight tooth and nail to get what they want. I am tempted toward the same, right? It is up to me to teach them that there is a better way. They don't yet understand that they will be happy when they learn to think of others, to be content, and practice self-control. They aren't just born with the tools to do these things. I have to creatively teach them HOW to behave this way and HOW to learn these habits.
So these past couple weeks, I've been on a mission to see how I can teach them better ways to adjust their thinking and behavior It's tedious! In addition to memorizing and discussing Bible verses, role playing has been so helpful. I make sure we try to do it when everyone is calm. It can be humorous and fun! They were rolling on the floor laughing when mom was pretending to be a stubborn toddler on a tricycle. In a tough situation, they look at me and say "What do I say now?" Since it is not the heat of the moment, they are able to think through some options and try them out. I do have them try more than one option. What if that person doesn't decide to share with you? What would you do then?
I'll let you know how it all works out in another 18 years or so! :) Pray for me! I need it!
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." I Cor 13-4-7
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