To turn those emotions over to the Lord. to give them up to him. to take their hurts & frustrations & anger & resentment & pain and give it up to him. Lord let them see me fail & then give it to him. because I do. everyday.
Lord teach me to master my own emotions - to feel the anxiety of my chaos and choose the better for those I love. To feel the anger in the moments they disobey and defy and choose the better in discipline where they are shown restoration & love. Can I be the go-between for my sons & PRAY in the times of struggle more than just a cry for my own perseverance? Lord help my soul to be still in the midst so that I may feel the emotion & not be ruled by it. Help me model for my sons how to push through disappointment & hurt & fear & embarrassment.
I am so grateful for the book, Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic who has been able to create a short & sweet book that rocks me each time I read & re-read. A Christian mother should be someone who points to Christ - who models leaning hard on Jesus & can show how to live grace. I have been spurred on by her words & thoughts. The Lord has used this book to refine me in ways I never anticipated. Check her out at www.feminagirls.com
Additionally, I would recommend Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp has been a great resource that I keep referring back to as well. Almost more of a 'how to' discipline your child & what God calls us to as parents. I love how he defines the punishable offenses as 'sin' and the act of disciplining the child as 'restoration' between the child & parent. It truly has given me the confidence to proceed with GRACE towards my sons when they sin against me - if only I could be a perfect mother in this respect. but I will continue to be refined myself through all these moments which test me.
Bree, I love reading your blog. You capture life and love in a wonderful, powerful way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! I really appreciate that.
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