Friend,
Would you say that you’re a pretty patient person? Would you say that you’re able to keep your cool when tested?
I just got home from a Life Group, gave my son a bath, and am now sitting up with him as he does his homework. As I stood over him, I thought to myself, “this is going to take all night, and I still haven’t even started my own night routine!” I had to snap out of it, and realize that not only was I being impatient, but I was being selfish! I was selfishly disregarding the fact that his learning was more important than my shower and Sleepy-time tea.
We tend to treat situations in life the same way. We start to put our entire lives on a time schedule and get frustrated when things hinder our deadlines.
I finally decided to sit down with my son and be patient. In doing so, I was able to engage with him, recognize how well he was doing, give him praise and encouragement. It changed the whole direction of the night. Instead of our night being rushed and tense, it was calm and peaceful. I realized that in the real world, you know, (“out there”), our children are exposed to chaos and dysfunction. But in the four walls of OUR homes, our children should feel safe, protected, heard, and cared for. We cannot allow the business of the world dictate how we run our households, and protect our children. We must practice, patience.
The lesson we can learn from having patience with our children, is that it’s beneficial for us and them. It allows us to engage with them, builds peace within our relationship, and helps us to build better communication and understanding. If we make the choice to rush through life, we forfeit the chance to see the beauty in the moment. Think about it, I’m sure the best times you’ve had in life, were the times where you’ve decided to slow down, and enjoy the moment.
Patience is very necessary in the lives of us and our children. They are learning from US! We are their first teachers. Though you may think they don’t notice your patience level, they do. It actually affects their mood, and their quality of life. So choose to give your children a better life by simply working on your patience.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
