Write It On A Rock

It has been way way too long since I’ve posted.  I have lots to say and think about it often, but when I imagine how long it will take me to write down and edit, edit, edit like I do I just don’t do it.

So this is my attempt to stop by and write an imperfect post, but at least I wrote!  I am hoping this helps me to get on more often.

This summer has been great, except for the parts when our kids are fighting, getting bored and saying “I’m hungry constantly.”

If your kids have been fighting, and it takes your 2-year-old .3 seconds to get into something, then I want you to know you’re not the only one.

I try to get out of the house in the morning so that Jasper’s not emptying out bags of chips on the floor all day long (though he usually manages to empty one before we leave).  That really helps my sanity.

Still it is difficult to keep up with the #discipliningtrainingcleaningcookingshoppingorganizingnoiseactivities.

When my kids misbehave and fight  I find myself asking, “what am I doing wrong as a parent?”

Today when I heard my kids get into yet another squabble and my daughter let out one of her dramatic ear-piercing screams I ignored it momentarily and ran inside to grab a piece of dark chocolate.

Don’t worry, I’m not addicted, but it sounded like a good idea right in the moment.

And it was.  It gave me a second to take a breath, happily realize that none of my kids caught me sneaking chocolate and get back into the situation.

I find myself needing to take a deep breath and saying a quick “help,” to God, often lately so I don’t react in anger.  I do react in anger more than I wish I did.

One thing I just started, and I know it will be temporary is a little game to get the kids to practice encouragement instead of put downs.  I taught them what it does to their hearts when they put each other down instead of encourage.

Then I explained that each time I hear them encourage and uplift each other they will get a little marble in a glass jar.  (I bought them at the $ store).

If they put each other down, hit, or hurt each other’s feelings then a marble comes out.  Once they fill it up we get to do something fun that we normally don’t do.

So far, they fight about who is getting the most marbles in or out and Jasper occasionally steals the marble jar.  That’s OK, baby steps.

They just need the practice and I need an easy and readily available consequence once in a while.

I also try to stay positive and encouraging with it so they don’t get discouraged that the jar isn’t filled up yet and give up.

It’s not just kids I guess.  We all need practice with encouragement.  Why is it easier for all of us to criticize, brag and compete than to think of something encouraging to say?

These are some things I tell myself that give me hope on a long day.

First, they will leave the house one day.  And I might just miss those little fingerprints on the walls.  The spilled milk, I don’t think so, but maybe the fingerprints.

Second, parenting well is work, but God says that if we do not give up teaching our kids His commands, and who He is.  If we don’t give up disciplining and teaching them right from wrong, we WILL reap a harvest of blessing.

Whatever that blessing is I am hoping for it.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up..” Galatians 6:9

Third, I am so inadequate as a mom, but as I tell myself numerous times a day, God is more than adequate and will help me.

God’s Word and His Spirit are what I rely on during these long days, but I also thank God for a quick sneak of chocolate and a deep breath.

There we go folks, and it only took me a half an hour.  That means I’ll talk to you soon!