I feel a little silly about writing this post. How many times have I thought, “We have conquered this!” only to find that… um.. well… we haven’t. You probably think I’m a crazy mother for still needing to deal with this issue, and you know what I’m talking about, right? I’m talking about whining and crying when life doesn’t go the way a child planned.
The emotions!
Lee had a long talk on Saturday with Laurel about replacing her tears with thankfulness. I liked how every time he gave her a task (even when she wasn’t crying or complaining), he made her think of a few thankful things to think about as she went on her way.
And today, the dear child was unhappy because Laurel was wearing the sandals she wanted to wear. I NEVER get to wear those sandals she wailed. [She wore them yesterday!]
We talked about our good God, who does not withhold anything good from us. My sweet girl informed me that she wants to trust God. BUT ITS SO HARD! More tears. I read her Psalm 84:11, and she started to understand.
It’s a good reminder for me, too.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:11-12
This is great. I need to remember to give my children thankful thoughts to think on, even before the complaining starts…which is inevitable. And no, you are not silly AT ALL for still having these troubles. Oh my goodness, we are definitely in the throws of these struggles!
Oh, dear. Re-dealing with this in Laura big time lately. I’ve been tearing my hair out. Encouraging that you’re (still!) dealing with it, too. lol