March 8th 2016
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. – Ephesians 4:29-31
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. – Titus 3:1-2
With each day comes the stress of a working mom. So many nights I look back on what has happened since morning. I think about a time when I snapped at one son because my patience was getting short, a story told by the other son that I’m not sure I listened to, and so much more. It is then, after everyone else is asleep, that I wish I had approached things differently. It is then that I realize what is important in life, and what is not so important. Each night I pray that I will be a better mother the next day. Each night I am determined to do so, yet the stress of life always finds its way into my actions. Below is part of a prayer (author unknown) that I found about a year ago. I have kept it on my dresser ever since, and read it often. For those of you who have children, perhaps it will give you the reminder that I so often need. For those of you, who don’t, think of Pastor Leonard’s words at each baptism or dedication. Every one of us is responsible for the lives of the children, and our actions affect them.
“O heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me. Guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate, by all that I say and do, that honesty produces happiness. When I’m out of sorts, help me O Lord, to hold my tongue. Let me not rob them of the opportunities to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm. Make me fair and just and kind and fit, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen”
– Chris Shultz
