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Seven Words Spoken in Haste

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The best chance of winning my child's heart

Over the last bit, The Mission of Motherhood book has been within close reach and another book of Sally Clarkson’s that I am so thankful to be reading. She always manages to challenge me but not make me feel like a failure as a mother. Her gentle words encourage, stir things in my heart, and prompt me to do more as a mom.

Not every day is a stellar day in our household. There are a few stubborn personalities in our home {mine included} and when wills collide – well, it isn’t always pretty.

This week I snapped at one of our kids. Rather than stopping and calming myself, I let my emotions take over.

I made the wrong choice. The next hour was spent talking with that child. Apologizing and admitting my wrong. Attempting to repair the damage seven words spoken in haste had accomplished.

That afternoon during our daily quiet time, I picked up The Mission of Motherhood and read the following passage:

“I have blown it many times with my children, but even these mistakes have helped me to mature and depend on God more than I would have without my parenting responsibilities. As I walk honestly before God, with my children watching, they will learn how to have a real relationship with him as well. As they see me apologize to them and pray in front of them to ask for God’s forgiveness in my own life, my children will learn that God is a God of grace who forgives me and guides me.” p. 87, The Mission of Motherhood

And in those few moments, my heart was encouraged. Just the words that I needed to hear {and maybe you do as well}. I am not a perfect mom. In the years to come, I will continue to fail, but my response to those failures and to my children – those are the moments that will most impact my children’s lives and hearts.

Today I am so thankful for the grace of God and His forgiveness.

Jolanthe Signature

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Comments

  1. Amen! I have blown it and blown up so many countless times….but the opportunity for reconciliation and showing humility on my part is huge! I hate that I have to learn this way, but God is doing a work in my life and my children!

  2. Amen! I think the beginning of the year marks the time of the most “mom fails” for me and my daily prayer is that my kids will know the love and mercy of their Heavenly Father through my love and mercy for them. This all too often is taught in my own need to say, “I’m sorry.” Motherhood–it is so humbliming!

  3. Thanks for sharing! I too have blown it so many times with my children. Said words that wounded them in ways that I never imagined I would. I hate having to go apologize but at the same time I’m so thankful for the gift of being able to ask of forgiveness. I have cried out to God many times, “please so how make good out of my mistakes/faults” and I’ve seen Him do it! In being faithful to admit my wrongs and ask for forgiveness I’ve seen my children grow in compassion and mercy.

  4. Less than stellar week over here too. :( Thankful for grace from my kiddos and from the Lord.

  5. Angelue' @ Nestpirations says

    Oh, Jolanthe! You don’t know how much I needed this! It’s been that morning here. Thanks for sharing! I am blessed and encouraged, because in my moment of brokenness God moved on the heart of one of my girls also. I am so thankful that He makes beauty from ashes.

  6. Thank you for this reminder. My biggest problem is is the reconciliation and humility. I too have that book and forgot that I have not read the book. I have been too busy with school planning and scheduling to do the casual reading. This post has reminded me that I need to do more time for me.

  7. I really need to pick up this book (ebook style) and read it. It’s really hard to keep our cool when we’re at the end of our ropes. I’ve blown it with my daughter, and spent the time apologizing to her as well. The best thing that I can do is learn to move on, and try to lead by example. I am human, and I will make mistakes too.

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