Yesterday was a rough day with the kiddos. For example we were working on school at the school table. I left the table to take care of something and immediately heard the children goofing off. I had given them a very clear direction to keep working on their school. They choose to disobey. It was then that I realized that I had fallen into a pattern of inconsistency. I was not following through with my kiddos, instead I was just getting angry! Sadly I saw the pattern throughout the day, I asked Bubba to clean up the hallway, he acknowledged me, and said “yes ma’am”, but he didn’t do the job! I asked the children not to interrupt me while I was working on something that required concentration, and yet I heard “Mama…”
Because the last few weeks have not been average around here, I fear I have not been consistent, thus they are taking advantage. I also realized that I was not checking in with the kiddos after I had given them a direction. I read an article over at Leading Little Hearts Home that was referring to chores, but I see the application to simple directions as well. The main idea is that we EXpect what we INspect. I wasn’t expecting much of my kiddos the last few weeks, because I wasn’t inspecting what they had done (or not done). I wasn’t checking in quickly enough to ensure that they were obeying. Instead, I would realize 3 hours later that the job hadn’t been done. And instead of correcting or disciplining, I was just getting angry.
I hate disciplining my kiddos. Sometimes, it makes me cry. So, an old verse is going back on the fridge today….
He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.Proverbs 13:24
It can’t be selfish, it can’t be to make my life easier, it has to be because I love them and I want to point them to God’s standard…
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1
I can tell that today is going to be another dusey….so I will also remember that….
He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29
And…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5