I am struggling tonight with the thought of whether I am too strict on the girls. Are my expectations too high? Am I too strict with all of my kids? Do I show them grace and mercy as we have been given by our heavenly Father? Am I messing everything up?
I am tired and feel awful tonight. Today has been a hard day. I am going to be at the doctor early to get meds I hope. My boys are traveling to Canada with my parents for the next week and a half. It will be harder without my boys. They are such good helpers. I will miss them, but hope they have a wonderful time!
Please continue to pray for my friend. He has a lung infection that must clear before surgery to repair his back.
I've had the same thoughts but in the end it boils down to the fact that they will only come up to the standard you set. Consistency, consistency, consistency is where it's at and while we are in these hard, hard early days we will question ourselves, but we have to keep the standard. In some ways I think I might be making it harder on myself than the next person would because I won't let the kiddos get away with anything, but later the job should be easier since they will know exactly where I stand and hopefully have learned to respect that. Yes, God is wonderfully gracious and merciful, but He has a standard that we must rise up to and He always forgives and then we must ask for His strength to reach that standard. He is showing the twins grace and mercy in giving them a whole new chance and he forgives their childishness and foolishness, but we are to help them reach for His strength and power to make the necessary changes in their lives and to break the bonds of the heritage their parents bequeathed them . And you and I know the changes are necessary if they are to live productive, useful lives in this society. Keep on keeping on!! I'm in the same boat :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Acceptance with Joy.
ReplyDeleteI too struggle with this very thing with all my children but especially Nate and Beth. This has really come into play since the incident and I am having to keep them separated. I feel guilty but then I have to remind myself that this is eternal changes we are trying to make in their hearts and minds. It is our responsibility, as their parents, to correct them and guide them in the way of the Lord. The bible does not change and what God expects of His children does not change from day to day and therefore we must set that consistent example of discipline for our children.
As for grace and mercy, we are extending grace and mercy every time we forgive them for not doing what we ask. We don't have to compromise the standard to extend grace and mercy. But we must forgive them over and over and over and never give up on them. That is exactly what you are doing and God is pleased with your efforts and love for these children.
You are a great mom.