I don't know why it always grabs me the wrong way, making my tongue want to leap out of my mouth like a snake--
When they complain.
It's the fastest ticket to this mommas nerves. I don't know why. Sometimes I think it's because I have a go-getter attitude, get it all done-- like yesterday =) Or perhaps because I'm an adult and I see a need and meet it.
However, as sure as the sun is rising this morning my little heart whispers to me, yet again:
"It's your flesh"
Ah, yes. That sneaky 'ol thing again-- trying to ruin the sweet fellowship between me and my kiddos.
Sometimes it's a quick trip to the table for sentences-- right now, it's the complaining jar.
As soon as that sigh or words of complaint come from those sweet lips of theirs-- my tongue doesn't have to whip out like a snake, I have a plan.
A solution.
I think as a parent, most of my frustrations, doubts, and sleepless nights come from having no plan-- no solution. So then, I am left to worry and parent out of fear, rather than love. Fear of what consequences they will face as a result of their choices. Such as, complaining when someone askes for their help.
Now, I know your children don't struggle with this, they do twirls and sing hymns while they gladly help with everything you ask. And my kids do that too-- when we're on our way to get ice-cream ;)
For when we are at home and I've asked maybe one too many things-- when they give me the sigh, (my littles mostly) I simply reply:
"Oh, you just complained, I'm sorry-- you have to go to the complaining jar."
And then this little momma has to follow through with the consequences =(
When they complain.
It's the fastest ticket to this mommas nerves. I don't know why. Sometimes I think it's because I have a go-getter attitude, get it all done-- like yesterday =) Or perhaps because I'm an adult and I see a need and meet it.
However, as sure as the sun is rising this morning my little heart whispers to me, yet again:
"It's your flesh"
Ah, yes. That sneaky 'ol thing again-- trying to ruin the sweet fellowship between me and my kiddos.
Sometimes it's a quick trip to the table for sentences-- right now, it's the complaining jar.
As soon as that sigh or words of complaint come from those sweet lips of theirs-- my tongue doesn't have to whip out like a snake, I have a plan.
A solution.
I think as a parent, most of my frustrations, doubts, and sleepless nights come from having no plan-- no solution. So then, I am left to worry and parent out of fear, rather than love. Fear of what consequences they will face as a result of their choices. Such as, complaining when someone askes for their help.
Now, I know your children don't struggle with this, they do twirls and sing hymns while they gladly help with everything you ask. And my kids do that too-- when we're on our way to get ice-cream ;)
For when we are at home and I've asked maybe one too many things-- when they give me the sigh, (my littles mostly) I simply reply:
"Oh, you just complained, I'm sorry-- you have to go to the complaining jar."
And then this little momma has to follow through with the consequences =(
But when they choose Grace--oh happy day!
 |
| judah, 5 |
One day, it will all be just a memory.
Breathe deep today, mommas. Remember, they're all here now--
And they're watching you. =)
Much Love,
{{ rejoicing! remember our sweet bottles? yeah...they're all accounted for }} So thank.full.
.
I love your solution and may be using it for my kiddos as well. Thanks for sharing.
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