I just got mad at my boys for interrupting while I was trying to teach another of my littles something. Their interruption was a distraction to everyone and frustrating to me. I was up against nap time and really wanted to finish quickly.
Several minutes later and two of my littles are reading. Well, one was reading and the other was lingering over his shoulder trying to get a good look at the reading one’s book. The reading one was annoyed. His brother was asking questions and distracting him while he was trying to read. What did he do? Got mad at his younger brother and huffed at him in a grumpy, impatient tone. Literally, the same thing I had just done moments prior.
Sigh. The accidental lessons I teach them while trying to teach them. Oh, when my brokenness is reflected back to me in their actions, it is painful to behold. I’m disappointed in myself and yet, I have hope! I believe this sanctifying work to be so much of the reason God has called our family to homeschool. The Lord is redeeming my heart and theirs. The Lord is creating beauty out of ugly spots that could have otherwise gone untouched. This area of weakness has revealed itself more than one time and I have felt powerless against it so often. But, I know His strength is made perfect in weakness. I must submit at each turn, each step, each choice to follow Him and surrender myself. And boy, how I want to, because His way is so much better than mine! I know it to be true and I trust Him.
I am meditating on the following scriptures:
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up again the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Into your hand, I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth.” Psalm 31:5
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I trust that God is using homeschooling in your home for more than education too. What ways have you seen Him? I know He’s there in the beautiful moments. Have you seen Him in the ugly ones too? If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear what He’s teaching you.
Thank you for your honesty. This is a scenario I often struggle with as well. It is encouraging to know others are working through this as well. We are so grateful that while my children are young we are able to work together on our attitudes throughout the day. Our attitudes are not clouded by peer pressure because at home we often act out more openly. We are daily challenged to strengthen our attitudes toward our work and loving each other all day long. What a vital part of our education that crosses all subjects and has been a tremendous blessing for strengthening our family unit.
Thank you, Janice, for sharing! I too believe, given the right treatment as you suggested, all this will strengthen our family unit!
I think I have taught my children to art of procrastination and the gift of disorganization. I have been working on these areas in my own life (to some measure of success), but will be working at “unteaching” them what I already taught previously for a long time. (I’ve also taught bad attitudes, taking grumpiness or frustration out on others, and probably many more things I haven’t thought of. Then again, since we all have a sin nature, I think we all have the capacity for these things even without being taught.
I wanted to add that I think God so often uses our children to point out to us our own sins and what we need to work on. Thankfully, God wants to see us have victory over sin! The sweet moments and conversations I get to have with my children about God sometimes happen when I am dealing with my own sin or their sin. I’m so thankful for the time that we get with our children to have those sweet conversations.