“Patience is a virtue.” We're all familiar with that cliché and Paul reminds us of the importance of patience by listing it among the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. So, if you’re a Christian parent you ought to be patient. Right? Patience actually means “waiting without complaint.” So, what’s so virtuous about “not complaining?” Really, there is more to it. Something in addition must be required to make one's lack of complaint virtuous. That something is discomfort. It's because when a circumstance is uncomfortable for someone and we find his refusal to complain remarkable, we therefore regard him as “patient.”
There are those times when the very best parents, in the most virtuous families, experience great discomfort. Many times the God-fearing, well-meaning, kind-hearted parents go “bonkers.” That’s right. They totally lose it. What little stores of “patience” might have been held for just a time as this, it leaves its’ nest and flies away. Bottom-line, they “go nuts.” For as much joy as sweet little children bring to a home, they can equally bring great discomfort. Kids do ridiculous things that get on our nerves. At times, it seems that they know exactly what they are doing too. Pushing the “buttons” of your limits and “getting underneath your skin” becomes an art form for the little rascals. I have noticed that I am more susceptible to loss of patience when I’m tired or stressed from work. I also realize that my lack of patience with my kids might not have been as severe if I had tried to understand the situation a little better. And, there are those times when I’m reminded that being a more consistent disciplinarian in the early years could be paying dividends now if I had invested differently. So, what can we do about our impatience with our kids? Here are a few thoughts:
One last thought: When you are tempted to lose your patience with your child, remember how patient God is with you everyday. Ric Callahan Pastor of Families, Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL 2-6-17
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AuthorRic Callahan has served the Church as minister to youth, children, and families for 37 years. He and his wife, Carla, have a passion for motivating and encouraging parents to activiely pursue Godly leadership in their homes. They have raised two daughters who use their gifts in minsitry as well. Archives
May 2018
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