It’s not just because Lee is gone, because I noticed before he left, that all three children need some attention in the obedience category. This is something I’m praying that the Lord will help me work on in the next few weeks and months.
Now, some parents believe if I were a perfect parent and 100% consistent, my children would be 100% obedient. We know better that this. It is not unreasonable to suggest that parents who work on obedience faithfully will have children who are noticeably more obedient than children whose parents don’t care. At the same time, children have souls and wills and a robust sin nature that make obedience a continually needed lesson.
Sometimes if I have unrealistic expectations, I get discouraged. I really once thought that I could turn the page on obedience lessons if I were a good parent. As I learn that obedience is a lesson we learn throughout our lives, I am strengthened not to grow weary in well doing.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal 6:9
Oh Michelle,
I AM weary! I need to be more faithful in dealing with disobedience. I know it will harder for you with Lee gone, but then I remember that it is God who worketh in us…
I have been praying for you tonight, Maya! You’re right. I am so thankful that God gently leads the mothers with young children, and I’m sure thankful that God’s blessing is not contingent on my perfection. He gives grace to the humble as we come to Him for help in times of need. I’ll meet you there!
When I think of children and obedience, I also think of discipline and then I’m reminded of my husband’s response to my weariness in working on discipline: “Discipline is a journey, not a destination.”
You will become weary because you are human, but the Lord is faithful. He gives little signs here and there that yes, the effort is paying off. Since my children range in age quite widely, I see the gamut!
On your table manners and silly talk post: my big thing is to ask of their comments toward one another 1) Is it true? 2) Is it kind? 3) Is it necessary? Their comments rarely fit all three criteria. The littlest one will often say, Is it kind?
I’m praying for you and your family!
Traci, good to hear from you! Preston’s comments that you shared were an encouragement to me last week when I read them. And thank you for your perspective and suggestions. Those are good questions to ask. Please, comment again anytime!