In no particular order:
1. I am more often impatient than patient. I love order and when things in life are out of order (ie..life in Egypt) I tend to become impatient with everyone and everything around me. Unfortunately, my kids often get the brunt of my impatience.
2. Many times I put my children before my husband. It is easy to reason away that children are small, needy and require mom's undivided attention 24/7. If I am to respect my husband the way God's Word teaches, then I must put my husband as first priority under my relationship with Christ. When this happens all other things fall into place. This is a constant struggle and balancing act!
3. Many times I let the small conversations and never-ending questions from my children pass me by because my mind is too busy with MY THOUGHTS. My answers are often filled with things such as, "Uh huh, yeah. Sure. We'll see. Maybe" when I know that I should be paying close attention to these precious moments that will fade quickly into history.
4. I often expect too much from my children. I expect them to be more grown up than they are and so many times it is not fair. I have to remind myself of their ages and remember they are CHILDREN.
This list is defintely not complete and the things listed are not new to this mom! These are struggles that have always been present in my parenting. Sometimes I get things right and sometimes I fall flat on my face! It is so good to know that we serve a God of grace and mercy who forgives, restores and is the perfect example for parenting!
7 comments:
I would like more "details" (examples, really) on what you mean by putting your children ahead of your husband. I think that I do this as well, but I don't think I know what that looks like. Thanks for sharing! It's so encouraging to hear others' struggles and ways to overcome them!
Mary
Remember those dating days? I remember getting so excited and so "fixed up" before any date. On the date I remember talking with Matt, listening and giving him my undivided attention....respecting what he said and hanging on every word. That's as close to what I am talking about when I say that many times I put my children ahead of my husband. He still needs undivided attention whether it is time alone talking and sharing or time alone for intimacy. Sometimes the children just need to hear, "I am going to spend some time just with daddy. You can wait. I love daddy and he needs my time right now." I also find myself bringing out that "positive reinforcement" for my kids because it is shaping their self-esteem and I don't want them to be messed up and wounded later in life but at the same time forget to tell my husband what is great about him and tell him how much I admire him! Just as we need love and security, our husbands need RESPECT and that is best shown with deliberate time, words affirmation and actions. Soooo, lets go for it! I am going to go and tell my husband right now how much I admire him and how incredible he is! Take the plunge and do it with me! :)
That's such a good word! How many days do I get wrapped up on me and my business and not show my husband how much I love and respect him with my undivided attention and words!
Wow, I could have written this post myself, almost word-for-word. And - oh dear - I don't remember the last time I got "fixed up" and hung on my husband's every word. I just realized we need a date! :)
Thank you for sharing... it's comforting to know that even the pros are having to take one day at a time!
Such great advice! I love your blog and I'm glad I found you through Kelly's Korner.
Stopping by from Kelly's Korner and you really hit home. This is honest and reflective of me!! Thank you for sharing and giving me things to think upon...and change! Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts!
www.spotlight316ministries.blogspot.com
I could have written this, too! Maybe our posts should have been entitled, "what NOT to do!" haha. I'd have alot more to say:)
Visiting from KK.
Amanda
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