Tested Resolve

Why is it that when I decide to do/change something that my decision is challenged the very next day/hour/minute?

I have been singing the fruit of the Spirit to my girls recently. I want them to grow up knowing Biblical principles and at their young ages songs are a fantastic method. They both enjoy music and I enjoy singing to them.

In doing this, I have been challenged in my own behaviors/actions. Stop and think about it:

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Galatians 5:22-23a, 25

I know that I need more of all of these characteristics in my life. Add to this coming across:

"Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2-3

So, I decided that I need to work on gentleness (first). I don't want my children to grow up with even perceived hostility. I want to use a softer tone, I do not want to simply yell from across the room/house because I don't feel like getting up and walking to them. I want them to know that they are valued enough to be talked to in a normal tone. I want to show them what it means to be gentle and to have a gentle spirit. That being said, I am still learning what that means and looks like in my daily life.

I decided this one evening after my girls were in bed. THE VERY NEXT MORNING my resolve was tested. They woke up fighting and arguing and just being ... well ... in hindsight - kids. But, I tell you - that was a very hard time to stick to my guns. I am proud to say that I did manage to not just say "maybe I'll start tomorrow" and give up (I did think it several times). You know what happened over the course of the morning? They calmed down. They stopped yelling/screaming and eventually played very nicely. I don't expect that to work so well every time, but what a great encouragement!