It is so tough to navigate this parenting thing! I knew it would be hard, I even knew I would mess things up, I knew my kids wouldn't be perfect, cuz lets face it imperfect people can't produce perfect ones ;).
What I didn't have a clue about was the fact that I would be in large part responsible for "training" these sweet innocent babies to become whatever it is they were meant to be! The gravity of my role in their lives just never hit me, until I'm smack dab in the fight....the ON GOING battle to teach them all the little things that collectively will make them awesome people.
I ask myself how many times will I have to remind them that yelling is NOT an acceptable form of communication, or that it is NEVER ok to put your hands on someone when you are angry, or that picking your nose will cause you to be labeled that gross kid.
I'm sure there will be years and years of these reminders and many other lessons they will need to learn, but I want to be in charge of this mission!
Everyday we as parents, or teachers, or childcare providers, or grandparents, all of us are presented with this really important opportunity to develop and form a child in a positive way. So here's the thing....you ARE training them. The big question is WHAT are you training them to think, say, do, become?
My hope is that I can lead by example my children and those whom i impact:
Love unconditionally,
Extend mercy even when I want to react with rage,
Be patience and realize they aren't always able to see the full picture (just like us sometimes),
Use gentle words even when I feel like I'm at my breaking point,
Never be ashamed to say "I'm sorry" in front of them or to them,
Pray over them often,
Teach them to Honor the Lord in all they say and do.
I'm learning to seize the opportunity when its given to train them. I'm not promised a certain number of years or chances to train them so I'm encouraged to embrace this lifestyle now and make each day count. How about you? Are you a trainer?
