Monday, November 26, 2007

The Day My Mom Didn't Like Me
by: Kathryn

On the day my mom didn't like me, she sighed a lot. Her face had funny crinkles on top, and she seemed sad. She told me to be quiet a lot, and got sad when I came in the room. I did color on the wall and undecorate the Christmas tree. Mommy talked really loud at me then. She kept saying something quietly, but I couldn't hear what it was. When I have a bad attitude, I get in trouble. Wonder what happens to mommies? She didn't snuggle with me at bedtime- I wonder if she'll still be upset at breakfast tomorrow.

The Day I Didn't Like My Child
by: Charity

The above is a not-so-far from the truth record of the recent days with my 2 1/2 year old. I'd love to say that I've never allowed my child's behavior to affect the way I've treated her, but we all know that's not true. So we love our children. But do we like them? I've spent a lot of time thinking about how I respond to her lately. The truth is there is a strong-willed little sinner living in my house, whose main goal is satisfying self. How about in yours?
And my expectations? I guess "winning the war of the will" is a little different than I thought. I don't think you can anymore (don't panic, fellow parents). I think we as parents are responsible for consistent, unconditionally loving, responses to them. We must win the "battles" and pray for our children's salvation. I think the Holy Spirit must win the war- drawing them by God's grace into a relationship with him and then maturing them over time.

OK, that's REALLY incoherent and rambling in places, but I'm too tired to edit it at the moment. Thank God that His grace and forgiveness is extended for my loser-mom days, as well as for my child. As Kathryn said the other day, "Mommy, are you sick? (no) Well, are you tired? (no) Well, then, are you just having a bad attitude? (ouch!)" Praying that on these don't-like-my-child days, Christ living in me will love her the way she needs to be loved.

2 comments:

Mary Ellen said...

That was good Charity - gave me a smile, a laugh and a good feeling knowing that it isn't just me that is sometimes grouchy with my kids - we ALL have our moments! Always brings me up short when a sad voice says something about my not talking very nice to them, as long as it is done respectfully I can take it. "-) But then I also remind them it's hard sometimes to talk nice to children who aren't doing what they are supposed to - can't let that moment pass - ha ha.

Since you are still in the very young stage I'll tell you that with my much older (cough cough) almost five, almost seven and nine year old it did seem like all the teaching, training, training, training, molding, scolding, correcting really started to "click" with them, their attitude, their obedience, etc. by the time they hit 4/5 and it got a whole lot easier from then on, it was kind of amazing. Of course I still have one more coming up to that age, but that has been how it has happened so far with three! SO hang in there girly - you are doing a good job and you are headed in the right direction!

Julia said...

Charity;

Wow, you have selfish, willful, little sinners in your house too? It's amazing how God uses them to show us areas in our lives too. I too have felt the sting of conviction and then the humility of repentance of late. I'm assuming (and MaryEllen confirmed my assumption) that this is the page we are on right now with little ones about.

Let's pray for eachother. I understand that I can't train into my little guys' what isn't part of me. I'm so in need of God's wisdom.... and PATIENCE!!!!! :)