My precious two year old has been quite whiny lately. I know
he is going through a developmental growth spurt. I know he is trying to drop
his nap…although he is not quite emotionally ready for that (i.e. he can’t make
it past 5:00 p.m. without a break down). I know he is testing his boundaries;
he wants to know if my “no” really means “no”…and what happens if he chooses
not to listen.
BUT Oh, how I do love my little Doodlebug! I love how he
challenges me to be a better mommy. I love how God uses his “moments” to reveal
the junk in my heart, and allow God to replace it with HIS peace and HIS
patience. I don’t necessarily love the process, but I do love the results.
That got me thinking…the process of teaching our children is
not always easy. Sometimes we want to throw a tantrum because we are downright
tired…tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes this momma needs a
nap. I mean seriously…Please, somebody make me take a nap at 2 in the
afternoon! LOL :)
Well, in the midst of one my younger Doodlebug’s moments, he
accidentally bit his tongue while eating his breakfast. He just started crying
and whaling! My oldest Doodlebug informed my husband of the situation.
**Side note: It was a Saturday, and
my hubby was living the Dad-life and fixing breakfast that morning…cereal and
yogurt. :)
He was really doing a great job, but I could tell our little guy’s whining was
working his LAST nerve.
Back to the story: My hubby responded, “I know what
happened! What do you want me to do about it?” Without hesitation, My oldest
Doodlebug responded, “Pray!”
Wow! Nothing quite like being corrected by a five year old!
Yet at the same time, it was refreshing for the both of us. Pray is what we
usually do when life gets crazy, and it is typically the first thing we do when
one of our kids gets hurt. However, in the midst of the crazy, we needed a
little reminder that day. More than that…God was showing us a snippet of the
results of the process he is doing in our kids. We were so blessed that our
oldest Doodlebug was able to encourage us that morning. What a wonderful little
surprise!
Mom, do you need a snippet?...a little sneak peak at the
fruit God is producing in your children. I want to challenge you today to look
for that fruit in your children and be encouraged. Sometimes it is so easy to
focus on the one thing (or ten things) they did wrong that day and forget about
the really sweet, really beautiful thing that they did do.
Challenge: When you catch your child in the act…of doing
something noteworthy or worthy of praise, or encouraging, or thoughtful, write it
down. Let him or her know that you noticed…and that you were blessed by their behavior.
That little bit of encouragement may be just what they need to continue to make
wise choices that day…or it may be a healthy reminder that they are works in
process…and the end results are beautiful if we continue to point them to HIM.
Be blessed and encouraged today, my friend!
“Let us not become weary in doing, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are so patient and loving and kind
toward us…all the time. Thank you that we are works in process. Thank you that
we are no longer who we used to be. Thank you for exposing the junk in our own
lives, and leading us to YOU. Help us when we are exasperated with our kids.
Help us to see the fruit of your Holy Spirit in their lives. Help us to be
patient and loving like you are. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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