One of my biggest weaknesses in disciplining is doing it out of frustration. You know like when you are trying to pick up the house and they are messing it up as quickly as you pick up. Or when you are trying to get some work done for your actual job and they are pulling all your papers off your desk, opening the drawers, grabbing your pens, etc. My favorite is when they wait until you get on the phone and they begin yelling! I remind you they are 1 ½ and 3 ½ .
At first I will react with calmness and self-control. The second time my frustration begins to creep up and I raise my voice a little louder, more stern, and give them a look. The third time frustration has taken complete control and I am now yelling like a crazy woman, getting in their face, and telling them the same thing I told them the first time only it is now their third warning. If you do it again I am going to spank you! (Yes I spank)
Now I believe all of the above are good reasons to get on to them, but then there are the times when they are simply being boys that I get frustrated and lash out on them. And that is when it becomes a problem. Let me share with you a meeting Jesus called to order just today with me.
There is a difference between disciplining My way and disciplining your way. You must be careful not to lash out on your children because they are getting on your nerves. To be honest Kristi there are many times you get on my nerves but I do not lash out and discipline you. Remember the purpose of Godly discipline is to teach your children right from wrong, so when they depart from you they will be able to discern it for themselves.
When I the Lord discipline I do it out of love-always! “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” Hebrews 12:5-6
Like I said yesterday, we are all learning a lot! Just as Christ does with me, disciplines me out of love, I want to do the same for my boys, discipline out of love not frustration or anger. If you really think about it the only reason we act out of frustration is because we in those moments are a little self-absorbed.
Day two and we did not cross the tape one time!
Prayer: Lord thank You that You do not discipline out of Your frustration because I would be non-existent. Lord help me to shape and mold these two precious gifts into godly men who are filled with wisdom, discernment, and respect. Amen
