The other day Hayley got very frustrated with me about something---most likely that I would not let her touch one of her new DVD's (or as she says, "DDD's"). She yelled and threw a fit on the floor. I went through the whole discipline routine and we went about our day. I'm going to be VERY vulnerable here and admit that I have a tendancy to lose my temper with her more than I wish. It is the thorn in my flesh that HURTS and I HATE it. I pray all the time for God to take this away from me. It is something that has been passed down for several generations in my family and I want to break the cycle. No one deserves to be talked to in an ugly tone of voice--especially my 2 year old daughter. So you can pray for me about this! But on with the story. . . I feel so guilty about this sin in my life so often and live under a spirit of condemnation and worry that she's going to have this picture of me in her head when she grows up being so ugly. Well, that day she came to me a little bit later and said in a sweet little voice, "Mom, I sorry I lose my temper." And the Lord spoke to my heart after she said that and said, "You are not perfect, nor will you ever be. Just make sure that you continue to model to her how to admit you are wrong and how to ask forgiveness. That is key for her salvation." One thing my mom was SO good about was coming to us after she did lose her temper and say, "I am so sorry I lost my temper. You do not deserve to be talked to that way. Will you please forgive me?" So that's something I have tried to do too, but now I will do even more of after that little conversation with God. Our kids, as much as we hate to admit it, really do need to see us making mistakes and asking either for their forgiveness or for others' forgiveness and especially God's forgiveness. Just thought I'd pass this along in the hopes I've used the Lord's encouragement to me to encourage someone else.
Quick funny story that my mom loves to tell about me---When I was 2 she came to me one night before bed and said, "Shelly, I am sorry I got so frustrated with you earlier. Do you forgive me?" I answered, "Nope, but God does."
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Encouragement. . .
Posted by Shelly at 3:18 PM
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5 comments:
Good story and good reminders . . .thanks! Not that it makes it ok, but know that you certainly are not the only Mommy who can have an "anger issue" sometimes. Patience and understanding in the midst of discipline is one of my constant struggles! Tyler has told me on more than one occaision that "God doesn't like it when we don't talk nice to people." Ouch.
Thanks, Kendra. Nothing like our kids to keep us on our toes. :)
So true. When your kids look back at you, what they will see is a mom who gave her all for her children. It's amazing what perfection we can see in our mothers even when we know the mistakes they made. Definitely a God thing. I'm so glad that when we humble ourselves He and our children are so quick to forgive. I'm with you, I have vivid memories of my parents apologizing and asking for our forgiveness. It does make all the difference! I need to remember that!!!
I am glad you shared this story. You are such a great mom Shelma! Hayley and Jack are so blessed to have you!
It scares me to think of what Garrett will say to me once he gets old enough to have those types of conversations.
Shelly-
I love your honesty! Payton and I were just sitting here looking at pictures adn reading blogs when he asked me to click on your profile picture of your family...
He said, "OK, I want Hailey to be so careful when she is by the ocean. Those waves are so strong and she is so tiny and cute."
That boy is always on the look out for danger and ready to offer instruction!
Hope you are all well!
Becky
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