Today is a time to "tear down" Eccl 3:3 ...I need to tear down the old way of being a mom to my 18 year old daughter and build a new way...As a mother of middle-schoolers or highschoolers, much of our time is spent doing what Timothy was encouraged to do for his congregation in 2Tim 4:2. It says: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction."
I think I leaned heavy on the correct and rebuke part and added encouragement when I would intentionally think of it. Now I need to listen more and let the Lord do the correcting and rebuking. I was confronted with this reality today, as my lovely and gifted daughter told me she didn't want to talk to me about some concerns because I would always tell her what to do and not just listen. I had to think about this...hmmm, is it possible? To just listen? As I drove around doing my errands, I found myself weeping at my wretchedness, asking the Lord to change me (thankfully, He promises that He will...He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus Phil 1:6) I have learned that His grace is sufficient and I am anticipating His work in me rebuilding this area of my life with more closed lips...leaning more heavily on the encouragement part. Please pray for me.
3 comments:
Thank you. That means alot. God bless you too!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I know this lesson well and my eldest is only 8. I find the encouragement part of parenting sometimes the hardest part. I'm great at praising a job well done, and pretty consistent in disciplining...but encouraging in the difficult moments seems to be my weak spot. I will pray for you and praise God for the work that He is doing in your life and in your daughter's. Here's to listening more and speaking less!
Love and blessings,
Elisa
What a blessing you are. Now, don't you know with this little blog of you, is a great answered prayer of mine. God is good. Love you Mother
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