Are We Crushing Their Spirit?

Yesterday a memory from 10-13 years ago resurfaced. It wasn’t just a single memory; it was also the reminder of how I have changed.

 

My son (11) was taking his time getting the last few things done before we had to leave for school and my frustrations mounted as I looked at the clock. I felt myself wanting to yell at him. But by God’s grace, I didn’t. I was able to keep it together.

 

That’s when the memory came back. When my daughter was that age, and even younger, I wouldn’t have held back. I would have yelled at her and 9 times out 10 she would have started crying, which would have frustrated me even more, and both of our days would start out horribly.

 

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

 

As I thought about that, I looked at my son and was reminded about how sensitive his spirit is, and I longed to go back in time and change the way I treated my daughter. My anger would chip away at her little spirit; I could see it in her eyes.

 

We can’t go back and change the things from yesterday, but today is a new day, fresh with opportunities to do better.

 

Today’s article was inspired by the #WhenMomsPray daily prayer. You can read more about #WhenMomsPray, HERE. We would love to have you join us!