Tag Archive | moms

Remember… Your Children Belong to Him

Apr29

I was reminded of this fact several weeks ago after my alarm had gone off. I was sitting up in bed trying to clear the cobwebs and started thinking about Easter, which was only a few days away. (I know we’re way past Easter now… but my writing opportunities have been very sparse lately!) Anyway, for some reason, I started thinking about Mary. The Mary. How heavy her heart must have felt at this time. Did she even want to get out of bed with each passing day, or did she jump out of bed in hopes to hear more news in her circle regarding what was happening with her beloved boy? Did she know where He was? Did she want to run to find Him and protect Him?

She knew from the moment she started carrying Him that her son had this purpose. But even though Gabriel had given her the low-down over 30 years before, she didn’t know exactly how it was all going to play out. I can’t imagine her motherly feelings as she watched it unfold.

In no way can we possibly compare our situation to Mary’s, the mother of our Savior, but we do have one thing in common… we are parents of children that belong to Him. They are here according to His plans, His timing, and His purpose.

I have to remind myself of this often. God has blessed us with our sweet children… but we have them only for a season. Out of all the people in this world, He chose each one of us to be the parents to our particular children… to pour into them what He needs them to be equipped with… for His purposes.

I don’t know what His plans are for our children. But I pray often for His guidance in helping us prep them for what He has in store. They each have their own unique beat, with their own affinities, aversions, and gifts. Sometimes I can easily see myself in them, and other times I’m left standing there scratching my head as to their latest antics.

Parenting is such a white-knuckle ride sometimes, isn’t it? Just when we think we’ve got something handled, a new crossroad pops up. The scenery changes and things get unpredictable again. We have to make decisions, sometimes on-the-fly. Then we agonize over things, stay awake at night, shed tears, question ourselves, question our kids, question our Lord, change our mind… ugh!!!!!!

That just means we’re good parents. :-) We do this because we care. Deep down inside we want to know our children are well. And more than anything, are they safe? For Christ-centered families, that means that we want to see our children walking with the Lord. That’s EVERYTHING. Nothing else matters if our children’s souls reject the Holy Spirit. Their six-figure salary, global traveling, worldly success means nothing. What really matters is… do they know the Lord? Are their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? And, are they of use to Him and reflecting Him?

And in the process of raising our children in the light, we are preparing them for what He might have them do. Be in prayer about what He needs us to prep them for. Take note of their basic personality traits and gifts. What comes easy to them? What are they drawn towards? Sometimes I think you can see these things in their purest form when they are young, before they change due to social pressure… or our own (well-intentioned, mind you) influence.

And this is where comparison and questioning can be our enemy. It’s so easy to look around at other families and then wonder about your own… Shouldn’t my child know her times table by now?… Wow, their 14 year-old already has his own business… Their 10 year-old is playing four instruments and speaks Japanese… Why can’t my child even wear matching clothes for once?… Why is my child such a follower? (or) Why is my child such an antagonizer?… Why does my child want to question everything?…Why does my child despise math so much (when it’s so easy for me)?… When will my child pick up a book on his own?… Why can’t he/she be more brave about things?… Why is she always doodling and collecting sticks?…Will he/she ever stop talking?… Why is my child always the loudest one? (or) Why doesn’t my child talk to anyone else?

EEEEEEEEEEEEK! We could go on and on like this couldn’t we? And sometimes we do. But we shouldn’t! Use your observations in gathering wisdom for your OWN children. Then provide opportunities for them to develop and grow. Provide the basic building blocks… love, structure, non-criticism, encouragement, and being available in guiding them through all their ventures. Provide books, access to the outdoors, real-life situations, and the opportunity to let them discover answers in their own way. Teach them to teach themselves. Teach them to do hard work… to the finish. Teach them to take initiative, find answers, and be self-disciplined.

Don’t look around at others. Your child will read when she wants to read, learn how to lead/follow others wisely with your guidance, learn valuable social skills as you teach it, and excel academically/physically where they have a natural bent. Yes, you can put your own ideas on them and have them learn/do something they don’t seem to be pre-wired for, but God has purposefully planted their gifts in them… we are there to observe, cultivate, and strengthen them for Him. Be in prayer, ask for guidance, and then enjoy the journey with them. :-)

Enjoy the quiet days :-)

Feb20

So today it is rainy… and beautiful!

Actually, it was supposed to be our PE and Park Day with our homeschool group.  It starts after lunch, usually lasts several hours, and then everyone heads home tired and ready for the shower.

But… today it rained, so it was all cancelled.

I only schedule school for mornings on our PE days.  And there’s no way, due to a little rain that I’m going to add on an afternoon of unexpected subjects… neither the kids or I are in the mood for that!

So… we took advantage of a rare, free afternoon.  I know I could have used the time to catch up on homemaking tasks.  But I didn’t. :-)

First I baked.  Mmmmm…. A delicious concoction of banana, oats, chocolate chips, almonds… all swirled together with butter, oat flour, and flax… delish and healthy.  Practically breakfast-worthy in my book.

Banana Oat Chocolate Chip cookies

Then, here’s what our daughter and I did:

Rainy Day Fingernails

We glammed up the fingernails!  And instead of going for my usual middle-aged subtle dusty pink, I went for Rockstar Pink Glitter.  Too fun.  You can see me coming from  a mile away.

Our son, in the meantime, was granted extra computer time and is currently attempting to defeat Germany in Call of Duty.

So, take the time to enjoy the unexpected down-time, ladies.  They’re few-and-far-between and I’m learning to use them rather than dismiss them.  I can guarantee the kids won’t forget it!  The laundry can stay laid out on the bed a little longer.  And now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve just put on a pot of coffee, and me and my glittery self are going to go play a round of Wii Golf with the kiddos, to the sweet tune of falling rain and thunderclaps. :-)

My Continuing Education

Feb15

Whenever I hear the term, “Continuing Education”, it’s usually in reference to the college classes one can sign up for at the local community college. Like, Beginning Portuguese, Learn to Skype!, Scuba Exploration, or Rock Climbing for Starters. Although the idea of scaling a sharp cliff does seem to have some sort of weird attractiveness to it, and I’m sure I would learn something from it, I seem to be on my own path of ‘Continuing Education‘ sans the registration fees or need of a First Aid kit.

I’m hitting the big 3-9 at the end of this month. Which means the big 4-0 is next. But I’m very thankful to a friend who passed on a great philosophy of this milestone to me a few years ago. Her take on it was that she felt like she learned soooooo much in her 30′s, that she was actually excited about her 40′s. Wow… isn’t THAT refreshing? :-)

So, every time I go to the calendar to schedule an activity and see the day getting closer… I’m reminding myself embracing her mindset. After all, she’s right. Think of how much more you know with each passing year.

But it’s such a thin line between being regretful, and being thankful. There’s so many times I find myself saying, “If I could go back and do it all over again…“. (Like how I could just hit the ‘Reset’ button on our Atari when I didn’t like how my Space Invaders game was going.) But I have to stop thinking that way, and instead, be thankful for the wisdom gained from each experience. Maybe I can’t have a ‘re-do’, but I can still apply the learned concepts to other areas in my life. And, more than anything, I can pass on the new knowledge to our children. This is why we become mentors later in life. We think we know it all in our 20′s, right? Chuckle chuckle.

Actually, what I really get a chuckle out of is that so much of what we do as parents is like a ‘re-do’ in life. Things we thought we left far behind us rear back up again as if it grew a new head. Like, our son’s math problems are starting to look like “n = _____”, so now I’m re-facing algebra again. And some things, I just don’t remember at all. I don’t recall ever learning the word, ‘hectare‘ in my math classes before, do you?

Yes, life is sure different when seeing it a second time around, through the eyes of your children. But at least we have our own first run-through to guide us, whether it was successful or not. If we didn’t like how it went for us the first time around, we get to train and inspire our kids to go about these things differently this time. And for all the things we found pleasing, we can amp it up and improve it even more as we get another opportunity at the fun stuff.  And, lest I fail to mention, don’t miss how much we learn from our children.  They have such a way of simplifying, cutting to the chase, and seeing things for what they are.  Often, the life lessons stem from them.

Each day, week, and year are new. We have no idea what we will learn this year, do we? But it’s truly a continuing education. Enjoy it, embrace it, and use it. If not for yourself, then for those around you. Expand, be useful, and be available. :-)

The Blessing of Prayer

Nov27

This is one area we can’t afford to ignore in our lives.  Over the years of my marriage and motherhood journey, I have come to learn just how much the Lord desires us to be in prayer with Him, and just how much of a gift prayer is.  God has given us the rights to talk to Him directly, anytime we want.  He has the ultimate  ‘open door’ policy for which I am so grateful!  He could have easily created us and said, “Best of luck… you’re on your own now.”  But He didn’t.  He wants that fellowship with us… He desires us to draw near to Him.

And He desires good things for us.  Even though He already knows what we need, He still wants to hear from us.  And, just as with our own children, He does not require that our words be perfect.  All He wants is for you to come to Him.  Regularly.  Not just in the hard times.

In fact, praying in advance for things is a very wise idea.  When you know you will be facing a difficult circumstance, ask for Him to prepare you.  When I am anticipating an event that I know will be difficult for my children to endure, I pray for the Lord to prepare them ahead of time and make their hearts ready.  There is no such thing as praying too early about something.  You can even be praying for your child’s adult years, including his/her future spouse, even if your child is only a newborn!

“Thy will be done…”
“Yes, this can be a hard one to ask.  For His will to be done, not ours.  But the wonderful thing we’re allowed to ask for along with this, is for Him to equip us for whatever His will is.  Although we always think we know what is best, God often has a differing opinion (according to His own reasons).  We can’t know His reasoning, and don’t always have the capacity to understand at the time, but, we can ask for His guidance to get us through what He has planned for us.  As the saying goes, God doesn’t call the equipped, He calls us and then equips us.

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:8-12, NIV (emphasis mine)

Translation:  You can depend on our great God to meet your needs.  He wants to bless us, just as we enjoy blessing our children.  But be sure to come and ask!

Pray, and be sure to watch and pay attention to how He answers.  Many people keep a prayer journal for this purpose.  It is an easy way to be able to see how His hand has been on you and where He has led you.  It also serves as a wonderful prompt to give praises to Him, as you look back and see His blessings and guidance.

So where do we start?  What do we say?  If you weren’t raised with it, it may be an awkward or unsure area for you.  Here’s my theory… remember He is your Father, so talk to Him as if He’s sitting right there and you need to converse with Him about things.  He’s ready for us any time of day or night.

If you’ve never read them, I highly recommend the prayer books written by Stormie Omartian.  I have personally used Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Parent, and feel they have been extremely helpful in my prayer life.  She has written the books in an easy-to-use format in which she covers about 30 different key areas of life, and then provides an applicable prayer.  For example, in Power of a Praying Wife, some of the prayer topics covered (among many others) are:  Your husband’s work, fatherhood, reputation, purpose, temptations, and trials.  By doing one a day (or more, if you’d like), you know you are covering your husband in prayer in every area of his life, every month.  I really came to like this method, as many of the topics written about were ones that I wouldn’t have thought about on my own.  And the ones in Power of a Praying Parent are just as pertinent to your child’s well-being.

So don’t deny yourself the incredible gift of being able to pray directly to our wonderful God.  Be as specific as you want to be in your prayers (i.e. “Please help me find my missing keys!” (ahem.), or “Please help things go smoothly for my husband’s presentation at work today.”, “Please let your Spirit guide my words as I’m discussing my child’s disobedience with him/her.”, “Please make room in the doctor’s schedule to see our child today.”) .  Pray for your husband, children, parents, family, neighbors, government, teachers, friends, and adversaries (you might be amazed what He can do!).  And don’t forget to pray for yourself, either.  Prayer is amazingly powerful tool available with a simple, silent thought… what a blessing!

The Kindness of a Thank You Note

Nov6

Well, it’s now November, the seasons are changing, and we’ve now found ourselves in the beginnings of preparing for a season of celebration.  Many of us will be attending dinners, parties, and family gatherings, and finding ourselves exchanging gifts with loved ones.  And it struck me to touch on a nicety that I think has faded away a little over the years… Thank You notes.

I’m appreciative this kindness was instilled in me growing up.  It was a wise requirement by my parents for my brothers and I to first take the time to write a note to the giver, before we took the time to cash the check, wash the new outfit, or use and abuse the new toy.  (It’s no fun thanking someone for a gift which we’ve already lost pieces to, used up, or shrunk. :-) )  I’ll be honest that it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but I’m so glad the habit was taught.

And as I got older, I started understanding that this can be extended to thanking people for events, hospitality, or any recent kindness.  We all know how hard it is to host a gathering or a guest… there’s the cleaning, planning, buying, cooking, coordinating, etc.  It can take a lot of effort, which is often very enjoyable, but at the same time stressful.  So when the hard-working hostess receives a thoughtful thank you note afterwards, it’s sure to bring a smile to her lips.

There’s no age too young to start teaching this to your kids.  I’ve received numerous adorable thank you cards from little ones that were nothing more than a crayon scribble with Mom’s caption, “Thank you for the new dress.  I wear it EVERY day!” underneath it.  The wise parent is imparting a habit that will become second-nature to the child over the years.

It’s a way to extend joy, kindness, and warmth to others.  So during and after this beautiful season (as well as all throughout the year), remember this nicety, and use it as part of your character-development in your children.  You, and they, will be a delight to others. :-)

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The Art of Listening

Oct22

Listening… kind of an acquired skill, don’t you think?  At least for me it has been (and still is).  In going through life and having various relationships, we all have probably experienced great listeners, and… not so great ones.  And we learn, the hard way, how hurtful it can be to others when we don’t listen as we should.

This is a skill so needed in our relationships.  There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re not heard when talking to a loved one. You know the feeling.  You’re in the middle of a heartfelt, vulnerable speech about something you’re struggling with, only to find your listener looking away, checking his/her phone, or asking an interrupting question you know doesn’t need asking had he/she been listening.  And on the flip-side, don’t we feel awful when we’re the ones caught being half-involved in the conversation, our distracted attention becoming more apparent by the second?

So, when it happens to you, you realize just how important it is to be a solid listener.  And when others are seeking advice from us, it is vital that we direct full attention to the conversation-at-hand, so as to give well-thought counsel.

Here’s a few characteristics I’ve come to appreciate in those who seemed to have mastered the art of listening:

They do not interrupt
They are patient
They hold their questions
They make eye contact
They are not focusing on their reply while the other person is talking
They do not turn every conversation around to be about them

Now, it wouldn’t be fair to address the listening side without addressing the talking side.  I think it can be summed up with this… Be a respectful talker! Ever had one of those friends that you want to run from when you see her coming… because she doesn’t stop talking!!!  About herself!!  Or whispering… about others.

So…if we’re hoping to have some good listening friends, let’s be sure we’re good talking friends:

No gossiping
No monologuing
No…sigh…woe is me…sigh…drudgery… all the time… sigh.
Be cheerful
Be encouraging
Talk about quality things (at least part of the time!)
Have balanced banter
Be sure to ask about the other person

In short, I think one of the most satisfying things in life is being able to have quality, fulfilling conversations with others. There are many times in which we need to seek counsel from others, and sometimes they need the same from us.  It is a gift to give someone a listening ear… even if they are not seeking feedback, they at least feel heard. :-)

Aging Gracefully

Oct12

This isn’t meant to be a depressing topic, honestly!  I just wanted to create some inspiration to the ladies out there to embrace the beauty that comes later in life, as opposed to fighting against it.

There seems to be such a trend out there to put on a show in regards to our presentation.  And as the years set in, that show gets harder and harder to put on!  But I can’t help but feel such a sadness when I see a woman working so desperately to change (on the outside, at least) what is happening to her physically.

I’ve recently seen two different ladies at local grocery stores who have chosen the cosmetic surgery path, and it clearly didn’t go well.  And it’s terribly sad on my heart, because you can’t help but see straight through to their heart.  It’s painfully obvious that the idea of their body moving on ahead was too much for them to bear, and they decided to fight against it.  Which makes me conclude that they are very driven by their outward beauty, and how others are judging that beauty.  It can become such a sad, frantic circle.

And even if it’s not taken to the level of surgery, there are other age-defying methods we ladies may undertake.  Like working ourselves to death in the gym, or even something as simple as wearing clothing styles that are clearly meant for a much younger generation.  I’m not saying we can’t buy anything from the Juniors department, but be sure to look upon those clothing selections with clear eyes.  Those clothes are designed and meant for the teen/college age, and can just look plain weird when worn on the more, shall we say, seasoned.

We are meant to age… our hair changes, our skin gets tired, and gravity has a field day with our body.  It’s a fact.  Although we can’t stop it, we can at least embrace it and stay classy in the process.  It is perfectly ok to look your age, and it makes the most sense to everyone else when you do.  There are scores of beautiful, smart, elegant ladies out there that embrace their golden beauty with pride.  They are sensible, classy, and loaded with wisdom.  It is these women we want to look to for inspiration, rather than the ones wearing the “Hot Girls Drink Beer” t-shirt at the age of 50. :-)

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Kids and Chores – A Match Made in Heaven!

Oct3

I’m writing an entry on this subject as it is very important on the homemaking front.  Involve your children in your tasks… they’re never too young to start! :-)

It’s hard work at first, as you train them and have them work next to you.  But the payoff is big… both for them and for yourself.  As they get older and truly contribute to keeping the house running, it lifts so many tasks off of the homemaker and avails her to attend to other needed areas in the home.  Additionally, it squashes any ‘martyr’ mentality that may be lurking in her.

And for the child, it is the groundwork for establishing a work mentality.  They understand what is needed to keep a home well run.  They grow a sense of pride when the house is cleaner because of their contribution.  And it helps them realize the purposefulness of productive work (not busy work).

It definitely takes time to train them on the tasks.  Be patient, be considerate of what you assign them, and do not expect perfection.  The goal is not to frustrate the child with a task that is too complicated or physically demanding… it is to instill diligence and a sense of contribution.  These are attributes they will need as they enter adulthood, the workplace, the mission field, etc.

And don’t forget to give lots of praise and recognition for a job well done. :-)

So what are some of the things you can have them do?  Here’s a list of ideas to get you started (which is in no way exhaustive - feel free to give suggestions on other ideas!):

General cleaning:
Empty trash bins into main kitchen bin
Sweep/vacuum high traffic areas, or an assigned room
Sweep off front porch
Spray and wipe down windows with ‘vinegar and water’ spray (50/50 ratio water/vinegar ratio)
Dusting
Clean off baseboards (can be done with socks over their hands, or a lambswool/swiffer duster)
Roll out/pick up trash bins on trash pick-up day.
Help with caring for the pets – feeding, making sure water bowl is full
Water plants

Laundry:
Help sort out the laundry into wash piles (takes a little more training than others as many items can be confusing.)
Fold/hang clean laundry, or help distribute clean laundry back to owner
Sort out whites/socks (fun for younger children)

Bathrooms:
Sponge out bathroom sinks, with a little baking soda as the cleaner
Wipe down mirrors with vinegar/water spray and a hand towel
Wipe down counter
Clean off surfaces of toilet with cleaning wipes and swish toilet brush around the inside of toilet
Scrub the tub (more appropriate for older children)

Kitchen:
Help set table
Pour drinks for meal
Help clear table after meal
Wash dishes or help load dishwasher
Help unload clean dishes from dishwasher – Unloading and sorting the silverware is perfect for little ones. (Obviously be cautious about removing any sharp knives first.)
Help with any meal prep activities (kids love this!)
Help unload the bags of groceries from car

Child’s bedroom:
Straighten every day
Make bed every day (do not expect perfection… if you have a 5 year old making his/her bed, it will look like a 5 year old made it and that is ok!  Resist the urge to re-do it.)
Vacuum
Dust
Help on “sheet changing day”
Be in habit of donating toys, books, and games no longer being used

Outdoors:
Raking leaves
Pulling weeds
Sweeping off patios, sidewalks, entryways
Water flower beds

The Busybody

Sep25

So what images come to mind when you think of that word?  Maybe the gal with the phone attached to her ear? Or the one always calling and wanting to get together and chat gossip? I often picture this as someone who can usually be found anywhere but in her own home, doing the bare minimum in attending to the affairs in which the Lord has given her responsibility.

And if you know any ladies like this, you might not be surprised to find them discontent, judgemental, or having unruly children.  This is because, rather than handling her own affairs and household, she’s too busy looking in on everyone else, or filling her time with idle activity.

The Bible talks about this in Timothy, and again in 1 Peter:

In Timothy, Paul is addressing how much care a church is to be giving to widows, but he specifically addresses the care in regards to the young widows who may become wanton against Christ:

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house.  And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.  So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.”  1Timothy 5:13-14, NIV

In Peter, Paul is addressing the types of things which may cause suffering for a Christian, and warns against the self-inflicted actions that we should avoid, so as to not cause undue suffering.  (In other translations, ‘busybody’ is listed as ‘meddler’ – a perfect synonym.)

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of (blasphemed), but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:14-16, KJV

We all need some socializing time, but we need to keep a wary eye on how much of and what kind of socializing in which we participate on a regular basis.  When you do get treasured time with some friends, is it uplifting and encouraging, or is it a gossip session?  The latter can be a danger zone, and before you know it, the habits are etched for idleness, slandering of others, irresponsibility, and discontentment.  Which then leads to resentment from our husbands, family, and friends.  A nasty circle, to say the least.

To help resist this temptation, we need to be adjusting our social schedule around our homemaking schedules, rather than the reverse.  If the grocery shopping or other home tasks need to be done, the playdate or Starbucks session can wait.  It might sound silly, but in order to make sure you have a well-run home, start scheduling (yes, on the calendar if needed), your home tasks – grocery shopping, needed errands, and time for homemaking.  And if a social request comes up, it only fits in where there is space available.  It takes the stress out of getting everything done, and definitely leads to an appreciative family and peace in the home.  And what you’ll probably find is that you soon have less time for socializing when your homemaking takes priority… and that’s ok.  The results of a well-run home will speak volumes to you and your family and you will find a lasting peace in filling your time with purposeful tasks, rather than in empty, meddling activities.

And remember… it doesn’t take leaving the house to be a busybody.  As I’ve written about this before, be mindful of your computer/phone time.  How much time do you spend on social media sites?  And when you are done perusing through everyone’s pages, take note of how you feel.  Did it cause you to covet or judge anyone?  Did you put off needed tasks to do it?  I certainly understand the convenience of being able to easily keep up with friends and family, but we always want to maintain the right balance.

In short, God did not ask us to put ourselves in everyone else’s affairs, and if He needs our help, I’m sure He’ll let us know!  What He HAS asked us to do is to stay busy in the home, be faithful to our duties, and give the enemy no opportunity for slander.  Be cautious with whom you keep regular company…A gossip or busybody can never be trusted.  (If she takes the time to gossip to you, who do you think she talks about when she’s with others? :-) ) Instead, be upright and trustworthy in your actions and words… you will be a welcome breath of fresh air.

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A Soft Word

Sep17

I’m writing this because I need to see myself write it. So that every time I see this title, I am reminded… use soft words. There are times when this can be my greatest struggle. Why is it so easy to spout off? It’s so damaging.

Any other moms/wives struggling with this? Of course, it only happens when we’re at our limit, right? When all is good, we’re perfectly jovial, silly, and good-natured! But ugh, when we’re pressed and stressed, and someone knocks over that glass of orange juice… or the squabbling starts in, reaching pitches that only dogs should be able to hear… and the final blow comes when you realize you’re missing a needed ingredient for dinner, and it’s now four o’clock.. Hoooo boy.   That’s when the barometer starts rising.

I have been reminded earlier this week that a soft word goes so much farther.  The good Lord greatly blessed me by granting me extra patience when dealing with a ‘spirited’ child and potentially emotional situation.  And He clearly showed me His way is so much better.  The situation was diffused rather than exasperated when I was able to slow down my tongue and pass on the grace.

We can turn to the following Bible verses to hear the Lord’s voice on this:

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1, N.I.V.

“A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18, N.I.V.

After all, don’t we appreciate it when others do that for us?  Like those occasions when our husbands/bosses/friends are understanding and patient with us when they have every right to be the opposite?  And how about the humbling experience when our children hold their tongues after they have been wronged by us? (Parents do make mistakes sometimes. :-) )  And instead we hear, “It’s ok, Mom.  We’re cool.”  Wow. Talk about humbling.

So let’s take those moments as reminders.  It makes returning the favor that much easier, and again reminds us that God’s way is clearly so much better.  Let’s slow down, soften our tones, and pass on the grace. It WILL come full circle again, and we will be so thankful. :-)