Being patient
with children can be challenging, especially while also being humble and
gentle— considering their needs and putting them first. When our children are
babies it comes naturally to put their needs first and be gentle. As they get
older…well, children become more challenging. Their own selfish desires demand
your attention. The battle between your own selfish desires and theirs may wage
wars—but you are the parent. Take charge with patience and keep your goals in
mind. Of course, attaining your goals for your family may mean that you don’t get
to do some of the things you want to do…that is the trade off in parenting. You
end up with well adjusted, educated children who love the Lord, but you didn’t
take that trip to Antarctica or write the book you wanted. Adjust your goals.
There is still time in your life to attain some of the things you desire to do.
Where does tolerance
fit with patience? Consider some of the actions of two or three year olds. You
know that you have to moderate and help them adjust their behavior—but face it.
You just have to tolerate some of their actions. You must set boundaries. No
tantrums. Them or you! They have to be taught to behave—to mind their manners,
but they will have their own personalities, too. Tolerate their idiosyncrasies.
As a family, you’ll have to tolerate everyone’s individuality. Just have
patience with them as you encourage them to grow.
“Wide differences of
opinion in matters of religious, political, and social belief must exist if
conscience and intellect alike are not to be stunted, if there is to be room
for healthy growth.” Theodore Roosevelt.
Training Tip – Set up a time when you can challenge your
children’s patience—just like when you go to out for dinner and have to wait
and wait and wait. Have them wait in chairs, like they would be waiting to be
seated in a restaurant. Then after seating them at the dining table—have them
wait for their drinks. The waiting will continue as their food is prepared.
This will challenge their patience—but hopefully will teach them wait
patiently. Laugh about this—but help them see that they need to be patient with
others and situations around them.
Lord God, thank you for having patience with us and
tolerating our individuality. Guide and direct us today that we would be
pleasing in your sight and that all we say and do would bring you glory.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment