An Unconscious Example
Kids are perfect mirrors. They reflect all they see, the good and the bad. If ever I want to know what phrases I use too often or which things I shouldn't have said, I only need to listen to Isabel. Everything sounds different - sometimes better and sometimes worse - when it comes out of a three-year-old's mouth.
I've been watching one area in particular: my temper. Too often I get frustrated too easily. In those times I say things I don't mean in tones I hate. In my exhaustion, I jump to anger. This is not an example I want my kids to follow. Knowing they imitate my every move, I've tried to curb this awful habit.
This week we entered one such danger zone. It was Monday morning. We were running late, and I couldn't find my keys. I was already frustrated, so anger wasn't far behind. My mind raced. All I could think was Rick must have grabbed my keys by mistake. I couldn't find his, so I'd have to call my friend to come pick us up ... but how do I get the carseats out of the van? And how will I get back in the house without keys? Realizing my kids were probably watching (they always are), I stopped. I took a deep breath and prayed aloud: "God, I need Your help! Please help me find my keys."
Right at that moment a thought came to me: my spring jacket. The weather has been so crazy! One day it's thirty-five degrees and the next it's sixty-five. I've got three different coats hanging up and have worn all three in the past week. I checked my spring jacket and found my keys in the right pocket. "Thank you, God." A sigh of relief; we were ready to go.
I turned around to find Isabel, arms uplifted and face enraptured. "God, PLEASE my mommy!! Thank You, thank You, THANK You!!" I had to chuckle ... and thank God again for helping me be a good example.
We never know who is watching or how they'll imitate us.
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." - Titus 2:7 (NIV)
I've been watching one area in particular: my temper. Too often I get frustrated too easily. In those times I say things I don't mean in tones I hate. In my exhaustion, I jump to anger. This is not an example I want my kids to follow. Knowing they imitate my every move, I've tried to curb this awful habit.
This week we entered one such danger zone. It was Monday morning. We were running late, and I couldn't find my keys. I was already frustrated, so anger wasn't far behind. My mind raced. All I could think was Rick must have grabbed my keys by mistake. I couldn't find his, so I'd have to call my friend to come pick us up ... but how do I get the carseats out of the van? And how will I get back in the house without keys? Realizing my kids were probably watching (they always are), I stopped. I took a deep breath and prayed aloud: "God, I need Your help! Please help me find my keys."
Right at that moment a thought came to me: my spring jacket. The weather has been so crazy! One day it's thirty-five degrees and the next it's sixty-five. I've got three different coats hanging up and have worn all three in the past week. I checked my spring jacket and found my keys in the right pocket. "Thank you, God." A sigh of relief; we were ready to go.
I turned around to find Isabel, arms uplifted and face enraptured. "God, PLEASE my mommy!! Thank You, thank You, THANK You!!" I had to chuckle ... and thank God again for helping me be a good example.
We never know who is watching or how they'll imitate us.
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." - Titus 2:7 (NIV)
Labels: frustration, imitator, parenting, prayer
1 Comments:
You're absolutely right about this, and I LOVE what Isabel prayed!
For my part, I've reconciled myself to my temper, and think of Jesus with the whip in the temple, ignoring my dad when he says it comes from his side of the family! ; )
Post a Comment
<< Home