I'd had it with my boys' bickering.
At lunch, after we lit the Advent candles, I read a passage from Matthew 5:
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother is subject to judgement...Anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fires of hell."
I was hoping the passage would spark a conversation. I was hoping it would spark some inner reflection and repentance. Instead, it sparked anger. Boys #1 and 2 immediately clammed up and refused to answer any questions. They wouldn't even tell me why they were mad.
An hour or so later, with the help of Boy#1, I figured it out. Yes, they fight, but overall, they think they're doing pretty good. And my constant harping about what they're doing wrong is making them feel pretty darn bad.
Talk about a moment of inner reflection and repentance.
The message was brought home tonight, as we read a chapter of Farmer Boy. Almanzo's little oxen did not want to work after a summer of rest, but "Almanzo had to be patient and gentle. He petted the yearlings (when he sometimes wanted to hit them) and he fed them carrots and talked to them soothingly."
Boy #1 interrupted. "See?"
I saw the comparison immediately, but asked him to explain. He continued, "In a lot of ways, animals and kids are the same. They don't know very much and they're high energy. But do they get it from from hitting and yelling? No, they get it from patience and gentleness and that kind of stuff."
Starting now, I resolve to concentrate on patience and gentleness. Instead of focusing on the bad, I will focus on the good. I will catch my boys doing good and tell them how much I love them. Most of all, I will live each day in such a way that they can SEE the happiness they bring into my life. They have enhanced my life in immeasurable ways, and yet all too often, I fear, they only hear about the mess, the inconvenience and my long list of to-dos.
Thank you, boys, for once again showing me the way.
Thanks for the reminder. I needed it.
ReplyDeleteKris,
ReplyDeleteThis is one post I think *I'll* be reading over again and again as well!
Wow. Yeah. I needed that one too. I am so glad your blog is on my reading list!
ReplyDeleteI admire your resolve. I, too, get pretty annoyed with the bickering. I will also try and remember to approach the boys with gentleness and compassion (and chocolate, for me)!
ReplyDeleteGood one on Blogging 'Bout Boys - it helps a lot!
ReplyDeleteWe clearly share similar parenting experiences and views.
I've been reading one that I'm hooked on - http://todayscliche.com/.
I have a feeling you'd get a lot out of it.
Incredible job on your blog; keep it up.
Thanks,
Amy
What a good lesson you are teaching all of us mothers with sons. Thanks for the positive outlook. it helps to put things into perspective.
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes -- what an enormously touching post. Thank you Jenny and Laura Ingalls Wilder and Jenny's son.
ReplyDeleteThis really hit home today. It has been a bad week (month, six months?) of arguing and hurting each other (the children, I mean). They don't need my lectures? They need my patience? Of course they do, little munchkins! They really are kind-heartd little creatures, little, young, being the key. Thank you for a lovely, honest post!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Homeschool Story.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes right down to it, do you think any of us ever learned anything from our parents' lectures? Somehow I doubt it, and yet I know I keep lecturing again and again and again as well.
Here's to patience, understanding and role-modeling instead.
Sounds like you have a great approach to parenting and life. Its great to here your positive approach. I hope that you can stick to this during the trying years to come. Best of luck and nice article.
ReplyDeleteThanks, baby bassinets! Same to you.
ReplyDelete