Yesterday I was talking to my father-in-law at lunch. He said "I wish I knew then what I know now about being a parent". As a grandfather my father-in-law is the most patient, loving and grace-filled man I could hope for for my kids. So I asked him to give me an example. He said "in the midst of giving kids the reason why and all that, show grace". WOW! I love it.
You know as I was thinking about that later I realised there is a gap between the parent I am now and the parent I want to be. And that gap can be described in five simple letters G.R.A.C.E.
This morning I was trying to get Caleb ready for the day in a real hurry. He started fiddling around and moving all over the bed refusing to keep still while I dressed him. Now right here is my trigger point for frustration. I could feel myself going down that path and then I stopped. I stopped right at the edge of the 'gap'.
Why? Becuase if I'm ever going to be th parent I am asking God to help me be, I need to fill the gap with grace. It's my choice! Right there I get to choose. And hopefully Caleb will experience something different in his dad - something that blesses his little heart. Becuase he deserves a patient, loving, grace-giving dad. It's not who I am yet but it's who I wan to be.
Blessings A.
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2 comments:
me too! I'll stop in the morning and remember what you said instead of grumbling about getting shoes and socks on fidgeting little feet. Thanks!
Wow - this is something I really needed, right now. I will try to remember next time I start to loose my patience to ask God to help me show grace instead.
Thanks!
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