This post found its inspiration this past week from both moments filled with frustration and moments of patience. It was through both of these types of responses with the kids that I clearly saw the power of bringing patience into our kids’ chaos. Adjusting to the daily routine of 4 kids has been stretching to say the least. Last Friday was “one of those days.” I wore the “Part drill instructor, part bear, part irritable dad” hat. Azariah would antagonize Tirzah and she would blow up into a cry/shout/rage fest, and then the cycle would continue. Throw a teething 1 ½ year old in there and you get the picture.
Saturday was a different story and not because the kids were any better. The difference was that Lydia and I sat on the couch Friday night and just prayed, asked Jesus to help us, forgive us, and strengthen us. We prayed against the plans of the Enemy against our family. We prayed for protection and peace over our home. We got desperate.
Tirzah got angry at Azariah for something petty and by God’s grace I asked her to come over to me and we slowly and patiently walked through some different ways to handle the situation with bubby. I gave her some things to say and the manner in which she could say it and lo and behold, Azariah actually listened. I had a handful of other situations like this one that day and on Sunday. I felt better, the kids felt empowered and loved and everyone won!
The lesson: Bringing peace into their chaos yields the results we all want. Who knew that more shouting and anger doesn’t bring about the peace and restoration we are looking for? So the next time you catch yourself turning green and busting out of your clothes with that intense vein popping out of your head…Stop. Pray. Slow Down. Bring peace, not more Chaos.
And if you still go Hulk-mode it’s never too late to ask for forgiveness and get the next one.
By the way, I’m looking into getting some Lion Hearted Man SWAG! I’ll be sharing some ideas soon! Let me know if you’d be interested!