My kids like watching Veggie Tales, which I still have mixed opinions about. This morning, while doing our Bible reading, my 3 1/2 year old heard me say "furnace" and she said, ok...furnace, like what Bob the tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and Jr. the asparagus were dumped into...and the big chocolate bunnies". I was sad that she had more knowledge about the veggies tale's twisted story than she had about the real men, Shaddrach, Meschak and Abendigo. So, I'm not a fan of a lot of the Veggie Tales that are re-telling Bible stories. However, I do like the videos that talk about Godly virtues.
One such story is Madamme Blueberry who had to learn to be thankful for the things she had, instead of coveting her neighbors things. The veggies sing a song, "Because a thankful heart is a happy heart, I am glad for what I have, that's an easy way to start...."
Well....I can think of one 3 1/2 year old who is NOT thankful for what she has, at least not today. I feel like I've slammed against yet another wall in motherhood. It seems like just when I figure out how to get through one obstacle, another is in the way. The only way I can think of to teach thankfulness is to "force" her to be thankful. To make her say thank you for things, even if she's not happy with them.
For instance, this morning, I poured her water at breakfast and she started crying because she wanted milk. I told her she needs to say, "Thank you mommy for my water." Then, when the water is gone, she could ask for some milk. I remind her throughout the day to be thankful and gratefull...but it seems like a difficult concept for an almost 4 year old.
I know that children are by nature selfish (aren't we all), but today I feel dissapointed in my efforts to teach selflessness. The moment we walk into a store, she takes off running and often times screaming, darting in and out of other patrons. She's not running away from me...I think she just sees an open space and thinks it's time to play. She teaches our 2 year old that this behavior is acceptable, and it's not. Then, I'm left standing with the baby in the cart, yelling at them to stop and I'm sure looking like my kids are out of control.
Perhaps my problem is wanting others to think I am a good mom. I am embarrassed and ashamed at times. I try to think through these feelings, because I believe it's wrong for me to respond to my kids out of embarrassment, rather than out of love or desire to correct wrong hearts. I walked out of the store today with several new outfits (the reason I went) and not one ounce of patience left. I hate feeling like I can't take them out...and quite honestly, 90% of the time...I can, they behave. But, today, the hyperactivity of a near 4 year old, coupled with an unthankful heart made me feeling weak and annoyed and frustrated.
OK, back to my thoughts and away from my rambling. My question is....how do I teach my children to be thankful. I feel like I model it, but instances like today, when all I got were nasty sounding "No I don't like" and whiney "I want thiiiisssss...." instantly make me look to myself. Am I where she learns this from?
One reason I stay home to shelter them from so many of the negative influences in the world. yes...I know they will be exposed sooner than later...but I want to make it as "later" as possible, so they will be able to understand why something is wrong. But, some of the things my kids say and do simply shock me! I have come to the (obvious) conclusion that no matter how I try to shelter them...they are still sinners. Their selfishness, their rebellion, their disrespect, their disobedience....it's all because we live in a fallen and sinful world.
My ONLY hope is that they would fall in the shadow of Christ's cross. That soon...oh Lord, soon, they would be convicted of this sin, that they would repent and that the saving blood of Jesus Christ would make them new. I know that this will not mean they will be perfect, but rather that the conviction of the Holy Spirit would fall upon them and that the Bible would be living and they would know when they have done wrong and seek to be changed. I feel like now, especially now, my fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:2) How else can this sin struggle be won until the Holy Spirit is living inside my children, counseling and directing them? Until then, I feel like I can only teach them the Word of God, so that one day, it will be recalled and understood.
Lord, save my children. They are lost and they need you. I know they are young and not full of understanding, but soon Lord, I ask that you would call them and adopt them as your children. Help me Lord to be an example to them. To teach them in love and to not react out of embarrassment. I ask that you would use me in their lives, despite my sinfulness. As she prayed for me today, Lord, help me to know you and to love you more.
I know this post is old and this probably sounds so trite compared to the awesome depth of this post...but practically....Mrs. Duggar says before they go into a store she ALWAYS discusses expectations before entering the store. She also gives a reward when they get home, like a chocolate candy or something. I know that Hannah is probably too young to get that, but you could try something in the car?
ReplyDeleteI had that REALLY bad day in Publix about a month back when I realized what selfish little heathens I was raising and ever since then I've discussed my FULL expectations before entering the store and I bring along a spoon for spanking. I've taken Nathanael into the bathroom once (maybe twice) since that trip, and I have had virtually no problems with them in the store since.
Thank you for letting me read your thoughts. It is so encouraging to see how you're dealing with motherhood struggles and how you're interpreting everything with such a kingdom-minded way of thinking. I love you, sister!!