Discipline and Instruction

Well today I thought I would share with you a whisper from God that I received yesterday. It was one of those beautiful days. Days where the sky is clear blue as far as the eye can see. The birds are chirping, there is a slight breeze keeping the body cool, and the sun is shining brightly.

It was one of those days though as a parent where the beautiful weather could not clear the cloud hanging over my soul. For some time now, God has chosen to reveal to me the difference between just disciplining your children and disciplining and instruction in the Lord. I must admit, in my flesh, it is easier to just discipline. It takes a lot less time and effort to yell across the room at my child or just give in. And I am far from where I need to be in this area. But I know that the Lord has called us to this. Simply laying down rules and enforcing them will force our children to fear us, to maybe obey us but once they are no longer under my care how will they know to make the correct choices. And although I make mistakes and do not always do as I should, I try to ALWAYS back up discipline with scripture. Each time I correct a child, I have a scripture to back up my discipline. God has shown me that they need to be trained to know that they are obeying GOD! This takes time and energy and with a 2 year old who I believe has no idea what I am explaining to him, it would be easier to swat his hand and walk away as is the norm.

So, yesterday I was feeling like nothing I have done has made a difference. You know, one of those days where you feel like they have heard nothing you have said. I felt as thought I spent my day in correction with both of them. Constantly correcting, reading scripture with them, praying with them and then they would make the wrong choice again. It is on those days when we most need God to show us his will. And yesterday he whispered his love to me in a very special way.

Yesterday in the late afternoon, Aaron decided to go and enjoy the wonderful weather while playing outside. We have a fenced-in yard with a lock on the gate so I allow him to go out back alone. I usually open the window so I can hear him if he wants to talk to me. As I was walking by the window I hear my little 5 year old child talking to himself. I look out back to see him kneeling down by the trampoline praying and thanking God for the beautiful day and for the butterfly he had just seen. He thanked him for the grass, and the trees, and the flowers that make him sneeze. It was the most honest, precious prayer I have ever heard. It was so pure and so innocent. And at that moment I felt the Lord whisper to me "Stay Strong!"

Now, listen carefully, I take NO CREDIT for this. John nor I had anything to do with the heart of our child. It is only by the mercy and grace of our God that he has opened the heart of our child to the things of him. But it gave me the push I needed to continue in the ways of the Lord.

Thank you Lord for these precious gifts you have bestowed on us.