Thank you, Cole, for washing those dishes. 🙂
I can easily become the colonel; okay…move me straight on up to The General, of The Shuff Household. Barking order left and right seems to be my tone at times with the kids. “Pick up your shoes from the kitchen.” “You’re bedroom looks like you have clothing for carpet and is a storage area for lost cups.” “Clean up you room!!!” You get the point.
Since I went back to work about four years ago, “momma” needs a little help around the house. The children are old enough to pull quite a bit of weight around here.
Now, I must say that they do. Hunter, Holly, and Cole all do various chores in and around the house. The issue is…when it gets done.
I would leave notes on the counter for them to see when they come home. When I later came home, the note was in plain view, but they just “didn’t see it” there. That’s when General Stephanie would huff and puff, raise her voice, and the tone of disappointment was evident.
- Proverbs 15:4, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
After seeing how their spirit was being crushed by my “mom-gone-wild” rant, I became convicted.
I can imagine that God would probably love to point His finger, shake His head, cut His eyes at me, and scold me. But, He doesn’t.
If I am to strive to be more Christ-like, then I definitely need to start with my actions in the home.
- Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
So this is where the “I’m Trying #3” comes in to play.
For about a month now I’ve been trying to ask or say kindly my need, instead of command what I want done. “Would you please unload the dishwasher for me?” “I would appreciate it if you cleaned your room before I get home.” The chore wasn’t always done successfully, but my attitude had changed to a much calmer response. When the request was done, I would use my manners and say “Thank you”.
- Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
I noticed that the kids’ were more willing to complete the task when asked nicely.
Now…let’s be honest….I have lost it, but only a couple of times. When I did, God convicted me and I was quickly reminded to take a deep breath and just make my request known again in a kinder tone.
It’s not always “rosey” around here at chore time. But, I believe they’ve learned, and are learning, a lesson…Just like I am.
I’m Trying.