This isn’t my daughter, but she is quite the cutie pie! My husband had a heart to heart with me last night on the back patio. We had our small bowl of french vanilla ice cream in hand, the kids were put to bed, and I was in a happy place… ready to receive constructive encouragement.
He went on to tell me about how the way we respond to our children, is the way they learn to respond to us. By me huffing and puffing and rolling my eyes and raising my voice, they are learning that behavior. If we want our children to speak with kind voices and gentle hearts and be quick to forgive and show God’s love, they’ve got to see it from US as parents first. Someone has to be the grownup in the relationship!
Whenever someone brings to light things we need to work on, it’s never fun. I get that gut wrenching fight in me… you know, the one that wants to plead my case and state all the good reasons why I’m right.
But I couldn’t argue any good points. I shook my head in agreement. I had just had this very conversation with a friend in church that morning.
Please know that my husband included himself in this constructive encouragement as well, for we are team, him and I. I’m so thankful for him.
And so this morning I started fresh. I prayed before my feet hit the floor. I prayed to be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led. I prayed for renewed joy in motherhood. I prayed God’s blessings upon my children.
Soft voices.
Gentle correction.
Smiles.
Hugs.
Speaking God’s word into their ears.
Showing God’s word in my actions as Mama.
It’s about starting over when we fail and being determined to try again. Because we will fail as parents… but let’s be quick to change our attitudes and hearts for God’s glory.
Do you find this to be true? I’ve also learned that the best place to be ready to hear some constructive encouragement is on the back patio, with kids in bed, and a small bowl of french vanilla ice cream in hand!
UPDATES FOR FREE: 
Subscribe in a reader
Thanks for visiting!