Opportunity……
It happened again, my heart began to beat, I could feel a heat from my desire for quiet rising within my heart. Quiet was not on the horizon. Chaos seemed to be looming at the door as they began to argue.
The little things, it is always the little things. I sit and realize they have no idea how the little things pile up and become a mountain.
My head screamed, my heart pounded and I wanted do so what I had grown up witnessing. I wanted to scream out loud and beg for unity through threats of punishment.
In that moment, I did what I’m learning to do-I prayed. I prayed for this heart that has bitter roots being torn out by the Father to stop this cycle. I prayed for these little hearts in front of me to learn the selfless act of loving others.
As I prayed, during the heat of the argument that was growing around me I knew it was up to me to change the environment. ”Go to your rooms.”
Those four words were spoken with more peace than I have felt in months. The meaning in them was not to ‘get them out of my way’ but a chance for all to find peace and quiet for our home.
I sat and prayed. I prayed hard on my face before the only one who can make the changes that need to be made.
When we all reunited, we sat and read from His word-each of us sharing our own selfish sins, laying them down in front of one another and the road to healing, peace and love began.
No threats were screamed, no tears from hurt words flowed and this Mama who usually sheds a tear every night from guilt felt that I was finally getting it. I was finally seeing this opportunity he has given me as a mother is about laying everything down in front of him. Not just the good, but the bad.
He wants all of it, it’s his opportunity to show off his glory by changing the hearts of those who will bow down and ask.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5
What opportunity have you had to love your children during a time of discipline and give God a chance to show off his ability to change hearts in a broken world?
I’m getting back in my groove of writing and loving my 5 minutes to just write- with Lisa-Jo Baker. No editing…and only a few rules. Feel free to join – it’s great to just write and join a community of others who just love writing and sharing their hearts.
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Sharing with Raising Arrows and the Better Mom
What a powerful post. You said an amazing amount in just five minutes. I am stopping in from Lisa-Jo’s five minute meme. I am so glad I did.
Karen, thanks for stopping by. I can type fast – sometimes I can think fast – today, the two seemed to go together! Praying this encouraged you and will encourage others.
Hi!
This is a great post! We love to work from the Father’s heart in not only disciplining our kids but in dealing with each other as well.
Thank you for sharing this lovely post! And YAY! that FMF is back!!!
Mary
Mary, Thank you! Honestly, this is ‘new’ to me. I did not grow up in a home of discipling. It’s something I am passionate about now, though. Thank you for encouraging me with your comment and dropping by.
This.is.lovely. You said so clearly something that I have been struggling with…the voices that scream in our heads to be heard, and yet you answered with prayer and calm. Oh friend, how I long to be at that spot. I’m striving, and with His help I hope to arrive there soon!
Aurie, I already picture you there- you are so much farther along in this walk with Christ than I am. Just take it slow…
What a lovely post, lovely in that it was what I needed. I am so quick to discipline incorrectly without praying, without seeking God’s wisdom. I have hurt hearts so many times and many days felt so guilty for my words. Many days have I apologized and many days I have not. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I’m tired of this cycle and I know it is not to their benefit or God’s glory to scream or yell. I had to just sit….just pray…just read….it took time for me to hear him. It took time for me to realize, I had to take the time to use his word to speak to their hearts. When they see me – a faulty Mom – full of sin telling them how not to be – it’s so different…than reading His word to them. I’m still learning – I’ll still mess up – but, I pray that I’ll grow better at this daily – this handing over to Him…
Rebecca you just spoke directly to my heart. I have struggled with this too. The nights when I cry myself to sleep over guilt from the day. Getting frustrated with things instead of praying and showing grace the way He shows me. Thank you for this reminder that I’m not alone and we are all works in progress. Bless you girl and I am so thankful that God drew me to your site today
I loved your post. I have just one question – what did you say and read when you got back together? I am on this journey too and am looking for more specific guidance….
Theresa, Thank you for your sweet words. I am working on something to answer your question.
Oh, Rebecca! There is such wisdom in discipling, and it is such a hard road. I continue to pray for our families as we seek to “teach them diligently.”
What a powerful post! I could feel your heart as I read it. Incredibly raw and uninhibited as you shared your precious moments with the Father. Thank you for sharing. Stopping in from FMF. God bless you and your family as you look to Him for each opportunity of life.
I should have read this before I woke up this morning. Sorry for not hanldling Joey better as I was rushing out the door. I am so blessed to have a wife who wants to honor our covenant with God and truly shepard our children. Your blog is his light shining through you. We are so not perfect, our sins permeate every part of our lives. Thanks for keeping it real and giving the glory to the ONE who it belongs to!
I LOVE YOU!!!
Powerful reminder of the task we as Christian mother’s have been charged with. Thank you. Found you through Bloggy Moms.
I am too quick to discipline incorrectly without turning to the Lord. I have to control those impulses, because then, like you mentioned, I end up in tears at the end of the day feeling guilty. It is so good to know that I am not alone and perhaps we can all pray for each other as we work to discipline our children in a way that would glorify God.
I needed this today…not so much with my kid (although he’s definitely a factor) but with my husband. Unfortunately it’s not quite as easy as “go to your room” in marriage but he did leave for a few more hours of work. I put a show on for my son and am taking some time to quiet my angry heart and thoughts. I think I already said some things I regret but hopefully now I can refocus and minimize the damage.
ah – yes…we Moms do control the environment in our homes, right? I recently heard a question that made me really ponder my thoughts as a mother…. I’m mulling it over, considering and praying. And for damage, when our children see us bow – see us sit and ask for forgiveness we set a beautiful example for them. Then, when we are faced with the same – heart wrenching issue again, they will see how we handle it. I pray that each time one of those moments surface, I can show growth to my children. I’ll never be perfect, but I want them to see a life being transformed…not sitting back and mulling around in the same muck day after day.