leading by example

As the precious boys God has blessed me with get older, I am finding that the phrase "lead by example" is so true! Be loving and respectful towards others and you are likely receive love and respect in return. Be unkind and rude to others and you are likely receive unkind and rude behavior in return.

During the days of peace and harmony in our household there is love, cooperation, obedience, laughter and fun. On the days of chaos there is disobedience, lots of time-outs and maybe a spanking. 

Joshua has been absorbing everything we teach him (both verbal and non-verbal, positive and negative) like a sponge! It's makes my heart soar when I hear him say "Mommy, can I kiss your owie?" Or says please and thank you without my prompting. The last few days he's been telling me that he's proud of me for putting pee pee in the potty. This past Sunday, we were picking Joshua up from Sunday School and the teacher asked me if he was in pre-school. My response is no and she says "I can tell you're really working hard with him at home." I thought that was such a sweet compliment. You work hard to try and teach your kids manners, how to clean up after themselves and just how to be a good person and you think "Am I making a difference? Is it working? Does someone else besides God see all the work I'm doing to try and rear loving, respectful children?" When a compliment like that comes along, it's a much needed pat on the back!

It comes from God's strength alone. And I lean on him, my Rock, when the days are tough and full of chaos. Then he brings me out of the pit of frustration of having to issue one more time-out and reminds me of the laughter and fun I have with my boys. He brings me peace.