Thursday, April 29, 2010

Living Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6


Our Kolton just turned three in March. He is our youngest child and fourth in line. Over the years and with each child I have relaxed. With our oldest, I was very proper and strict. . The labeled toy baskets each had their own spot and no misplaced item would fly. I can actually remember dumping out every single toy bin in one big pile on the floor because things were all mixed up and we needed to pick up again, "and this time do it right!". Now today's reality...as long as stuff is picked up off the floor, we're good! We have one big bucket instead of many pretty labeled ones. So by the time I got pregnant with Kolton, we always joked and said that he didn't have a chance because I have gotten so lucy-goosy.



Now in some ways...that is right, I have gotten too lucy-goosy. But I do try to keep my discipline steady. It is sometimes harder to follow through, especially with the youngest. He's my baby. I want to hang onto that. My husband Keith however, lovingly reminds me that I am doing Kolton no favors by being soft....and he's right.



But boy...this week has been tough! You know, every time I turn around I have to discipline. It's exhausting! It is a 24/7 job with no breaks! It seems he plays with everything BUT his toys and getting into everything he shouldn't!

While feeling a little defeated this morning, the Lord reminded me in Proverbs that:



"The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." ch 4:15



Oh yes, the rod and rebuke -boy I know this...I believe this, but I'm wearing down.



My mind went towards how the Lord works with us.

Man! Good thing the Lord is who he is...because I would have thrown my hands up on me a long time ago! I would have given up. I would be too tired to deal with me. How many times I see myself making the same mistakes over and over, but yet God is so mighty and loves us more than we could ever comprehend.



So I continue to read, "Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes he will give delight to your soul" vs 17



Ahhh, yes! Sweet victory! I feel that our hard work now, will pay off later. I know it will! God promises us that! Proverbs 22:6 "when he is old he will not depart from it!"

I Praise God for His mighty word!! It is truth. It gives us the hope and encouragement we need for each day!


Thank you Lord! {sigh} I feel better now!

Whoops...gotta go! Kolton is walking around with the toilet plunger! =)

Much love~Tina

3 comments:

Nikki said...

I don't think I need to say anything else except that at 10pm tonight this was just the reminder I needed. Great encouragement and something to ponder as I head off to bed.

Maybe I will add this reminder for all moms; in order for our discipline to be productive it MUST be out of God's love for our children NOT out of our anger. I am definately preaching to myself right now as I found myself today being quick to anger and am so disappointed in myself. But praise God that Jesus died to forgive me and tomorrow is a new day that I will start with Him, so that I can have his strength throughout.

Thank you so much for your words and for a place to ponder my own thoughts out!

faith said...

This week has been similar at our house. And I too feel that keeping up with the discipline is harder than just letting them get away with it.. so Tina, I totally needed this encouragement and reminder. Thank you.

On the very practical side of things, I am also trying to make sure that my 3 y/o twin boys have access to toys and activities that are interesting to them and are safe.

Karen said...

Ah Tina! I can sooo relate! My triplet boys now just turned 7-years-old and I can say it does get easier, although their little boy curiosity never does die...just moves onto different things!

"All I know is I find rest in you...Jesus". I found myself singing that a lot through those years! So true...thank you for those isolated moments of PEACE from our gracious, loving God!!

*On another note...just found your blog/website and CAN'T WAIT to get our bunny for our baby girl! After so much "boy" for so many years...I"m ready for a little pink! :)

Blessings,
Karen