I thought of all you pilot wives whose husbands are gone for a few weeks and then come home. By the end of last week, I could tell they were ready to see their dad. Was it some new phase that David was going through where he really didn’t want to be cooperative in ANYTHING? I think he got in more trouble that last week than he got in the whole month. They were so happy to see their Daddy at the airport, but we hadn’t even gotten out of the car when they were testing their boundaries again.

David said, “I don’t want to read our Bible story tonight.” Emotional me, I was ready to suggest we just put the kids to bed and skip tonight. But Lee got the book out and sat next to David. Wouldn’t you know David got interested and wanted to read another story? I’m thankful Lee didn’t listen to me!

I’ve seen this happen in other times too. I just know there’s going to be a scene if I don’t do what the expressed desire is of one of the children, but if (and when) I choose to do what is right and follow through, I find out that they are more than willing to submit to what I have said. Like Bethel starting to cry when I need to put her down, and then happily finding something to do when she’s actually down. Or David asking for another cookie and saying “Okay” when I just knew he was going to be emotional if I told him no. Or Bethel wanting a particular cup that has a leak and being tempted to give it to her anyway because she is refusing to eat or drink. Sometimes I just need to be brave enough to do what I think is best, regardless of what I think the response is going to be. Sometimes the response surprises me, and I’m glad I made the decision I did. I wonder how many times I lose the opportunity to make the right choices in situations like these.

I am praying for wisdom. I don’t want to react to the bad parenting that I see sometimes around me and go to the other extreme. I need a lot of wisdom.

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Filed under: Family Devotions, Introspection, Military Life, Mom Time