I also need to pray without ceasing. What an excellent reminder. I have gotten better about being not so crabby/grumpy etc. with my children, but it is an ever constant struggle.
I grew up with a very critical mother who could never seem to find anything nice to say or if she did I don't remember it (sorry to those of you who said your children don't remember the yelling/criticizing;but that is almost all I remember). I vowed to not be like that, and I struggle with it daily. I do need to pray more but lately the thing that runs through my mind is this; this is a season of time where my kids are at home with me and learning with me and who better to teach them how to act? They will not always be home with me and in a few short years will be moving out and on and upward with their lives. Will I look back and say "I hated it when they spilt their milk all over the table"? Does it matter? Will it matter then? What will matter is the time you took to help them and explain to them how to do it differently or better. Rather than yelling or criticizing.
Here is a poem I found:
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn.
If a child liveswith hostility
He learns to fight.
If a child lives wtih ridicule
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives wtih shame
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives wtih tolerence
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence
If a child lives wtih praise
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives wtih fairness
He learns justice.
If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns how to find love in the world.
I also love the prayer Blue J, I hope you don't mind if I use it.
