And the Nominees Are....
Author: Kate Bayless
I’ve decided on my nominee for the Most Necessary Parenting Virtue contest and my vote goes to PATIENCE. Day in and day out, when I face struggles, frustrations and difficulties in my parenting, it can almost always be traced back to a lack of patience. I love my children dearly, but that love isn’t shown as clearly when I’ve lost my patience. My end goals for discipline and training are lost if I lose patience in the process and can’t outlast my three-year-old’s tantrum. My desire to develop an inquisitive learner is hampered when I run out of patience for my son’s endless collection of “Why?” questions. My attempts to teach a skill or value are unsuccessful if my patience runs thin.
One of the amazing things I have found about being a parent is how it gives me new eyes for how God views humanity, views me. I am that disobedient toddler. I am that trying teenager. I am that person who, were God a mortal being, would have long ago worn out the patience afforded me. And yet God is ever faithful, ever forgiving, ever patient. Time and time again.
In 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (NIV, emphasis mine).
Thinking of this verse reminds me of three things. First, it is humbling to remember that I am really in the same position as my three-year-old. There is someone’s patience that I am continually testing just as my son tests mine. Second, it causes gratitude to well in my heart that God has not run out of patience with me. Finally, it reminds that God has set the example, the standard before me – unlimited patience – and that the only way that I can hope to strive for that is with His help.
So how do you maintain your patience as a parent? What has been the biggest help as you strive to demonstrate unlimited patience with your children?
Next Week's Author: Tyler Robbins
posted by Passionate Purposeful Parenting @ 12:00 AM
2 Comments:
Unfortunately I am not always patient. Somethings I do that has helped: PRAY for God's help :), take deep breaths, as they get older I've sent them to another room and pray until I am able to respond correctly, if I'm not able to answer their question right away (I don't know or it will take a long time to respond), I've had them write it in a journal to come back to later. I often pray "Save them (my children) from me and Grace them with You (God)" I know that He's got me covered. As I spend more time with Him, reading His word, praying etc., I find that I become more patient! :) Hope to hear other ideas too...
Having two teenagers who talk back and argue with me quite often has really tested my patience. Then we welcomed a brand new baby girl into our home and I was blessed with unlimited patience to meet her every cry and need. This has helped me tremendously to be more patient with my teenagers as I want all my kids to feel equal respect. If I don't mind a fussy baby waking me up all night, then I shouldn't mind having to explain why "you can't go to that party, sleepover, etc." They ALL deserve the patience God gives to me!
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