One of the (many) areas I am woefully lacking in this mothering journey is in just playing with my babies. There always seem to be too many other things to do. Sure, I include them in my things. Yes, we read together a lot. And there is all the talking and "Mommy, watch this."
But playing....
Playing is harder for me for some reason. I'd rather watch... and then instead of watching I'm "dovetailing" some other activity a the same time. So much for watching. So much for being a part. Recently we've been struggling with obedience in our household. It seems like we struggle to want to obey. To care. And it seems to us (the mommy and daddy) that NOTHING is getting through. The verses. The talking. The urging. Scolding. "Discipline measures". Nothing. Even staking... he (in particular) just doesn't seem to care.
What is a mother to do?
I received my copy of Homepreschool and Beyond the other day and I read something in chapter two that has stuck with me:"Parent's need to spend time playing with and talking to their children every day. Parents who do this will reap an unexpected benefit: Their children will work hard to please them and to protect their relationship (emphasis mine)." Susan Lemons, Homepreschool and BeyondNot a new concept for me, but a much needed reminder... and spelled out so simply.
I don't know how long it will take for this relationship to be restored, for enough heart strings to be retied, but I am grateful for the process. Grateful for play!
Grateful for:
94. beautiful Sunday afternoon weather
95. planting bulbs with my boy
96. an old deflated ball
97. kickball in the front yard
98. laughter
99. rough housing and a sore jaw
100. my boy's smile
101. an opportunity to play
102. taking that opportunity to play
103. memories
Thank you for the wonderful, much needed, reminder!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and all the sweet babies you are chasing!
Elise
A few thoughts from an old man that hopefully don't ramble too much :-)
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that they eventually do "get it" and will almost certainly turn out to be men and women of good character.
Your consistent love and guidance for them (both of which I have observed many times), blessed by God, will yield its good fruit in due season (but not until the "due season" - i.e. it takes a long time to grow a crop.)
A real-life example:
When he was young, your beloved was very strong willed (read: refused to obey many times no matter how strongly or how often he was disciplined) and also went through a period of lieing (a lot). You wouldn't know it today as he is a man of integrity and of good character. He grew up. He eventually "got it." Your children will too
Hang in there - even though you may not see positive results (tomorrow, next week, or perhaps even after several months, the positive results will eventually come. I am certain of it.
Our Lord is faithful. You are raising your children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" and He will bless your efforts and grant you success - it just takes time as this is a long-term race that you are running - it is not a sprint. You will get to the finish line, just keep jogging every day :-)
Your children are so blessed to have you two as their Daddy and Mommy. It is such a blessing for children to have a Daddy and Mommy that love them.
"Run with patience the race that is set before you."
Love,
DFIL in MI
Thanks Dad!
ReplyDelete