January 11, 2010
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Fighting
The girls got up this morning to get ready to go to school. They are big enough and independent enough to do that without a lot of guidance. So I was sorting laundry, loading the washer, running the dishwasher, folding blankets.. just general pick up around the house stuff. Working to benefit the family. I went to go find little sister and drive her to school. She was in the bathroom with big sister and they were arguing. Big sister had obviously taken time to do little sister’s hair (which was very sweet) and they were both dressed. They were arguing about hormones. Big sister said little sister didn’t have any yet. Little sister said she did too have them. Big sister was being mean. Little sister was being annoying. They kept on arguing until I finally used my MOM voice and told them to stop it. I talked to each girl independantly and showed her where she was responsible. Both girls were a little bit right and a little bit wrong in their information. If they had shared information in stead of fighting over it, they might have avoided the fight. Then.. they both went to school. It was very frustrating to see these two girls that I love so much treat each other this way. Where is the love? I give them love and I model love and they treat each other like this. It makes me sad.
I folded another load of laundry after they were gone and I believe God helped me understand a little bit about him and us.
God is busy all the time doing things to benefit the family, (his children). Sometimes we do loving things for each other and then not even a heart beat later we are fighting over something, that really doesn’t matter at all. We fight over who knows what this passage of scripture means or a specific tradition, knowing that we are right and they are wrong. We argue passionately. We point out the faults and errors of our brothers all the while feeling very justified in our own thoughts. We say mean things to one another (in love of course so we can be Christlike
). We may be right about something and still wrong in general, but completely miss the part about being wrong. God must be frustrated that he gives us so much love and has sent his son the perfect model of love and then see his children treat each other the way we do. In the end, what matters is that we are sold out completely to God and his ways for our life. It doesn’t matter if we have all the answers and are right all the time. I think God wants us to love our brothers and sisters….. EVEN when they are annoying or mean. Have a happy day
Comments (8)
that is such great devotional material! i LOVE real words from real people about the paths of our faith journeys. you might want to send it to the upper room people, too…
This is one for me to read several times and for me to share with my kids as well. I can see both your faith and your ability to teach others shining through your words.
I have often been so thankful to have towels and washcloths to fold. It is good to have something in the hand to do while the mind can sort through more important things. Some of my hardest disions or best organizing has been done while folding. I always thought of it as my time to ‘bend’ to what changes God wants in my life..
Have a blessed day.
You are absolutely right! And us big kids can be just as mean if not meaner than the little kids!
When my kids fought, I made them hold hands for an extended period of time! Boy, they hated that, but it made them realize that pettiness wasn’t worth it! Of course, I would have skipped it if it was that close to school! HA!
Well well well… look who finally decided to post again.
And it was good one too!
Kids fight so mom can throw her shoe! Or something like that!
Happy New Year Donna! thanks for today’s DEVOTIONAL experience!
Hope you had a great week! How ARE you doing, anyway?