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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Gentle Mothering




I have several goals for 2010, and one of the big ones is to strive to be the best mother that I can be. Of course, that has been one of my goals ever since I became a mother, but I really recognize glaring deficiencies in my mothering. The main thing that I wish I could exhibit more of: PATIENCE!!!

Prior to having children I thought that I was a pretty patient and nice person, but I was deceived. And, I want to change it. What started me down this path of self-reflection was watching, "18 Kids and Counting" the show about the Duggars. I started watching regularly a few months ago, and the show really ministered to me.

I was amazed watching Michelle Duggar deal so sweetly and gently with her children, and they all seem so well-mannered. I have never seen her raise her voice. She does not seem to lose her patience, and she has 18 (now 19) kids!! And, I only have 2!!! And, I cannot deal with my two children with the same patience and gentleness that she displays. And, I sooo want to.

I did read that she said that she stays in God's word daily, and that helps her to have patience and not raise her voice and not react in anger towards her children.

I am commited to saturating myself in God's word like I should so that I can bear the fruits of God's spirit in my life, and with the way that I deal with my children. I get exasperated often, I get frustrated often, I lose my patience often, and I feel like yelling at least twice everyday. I don't always do so, but I feel like it. And, I don't want it to be that way.

Being a mother just reminds me of how important it is to stay connected to God. When you try to do things in your own strength, you fail. Having a close relationship with Christ does produce more peace, joy, love and kindness inside of you, and you are able to pour those things out to others.

This year I am commited to cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ, and also being sure to raise my children with gentleness and love, but also being firm and consistent in my expectations and training.

3 comments:

Bridget said...

I know what you mean about the patience thing and I LOVE the Duggars also. Jim Bob is such a sweet husband and father.

Just read the book Prayer Walk by Janet Holm McHenry, seems unrelated, but she is just stating how praying and walking for 1 hour first thing in the morning changed her life. Very convicting yet encouraging. Highly recommended and at my local library!

Anonymous said...

We share one of the very same goals for 2010! May Jesus give you peace and shower his grace and blessings on you, so that you see how easy His yoke is and how light the burden we mothers have to carry, when and if we stay rooted in His word, as the Duggar mom said she does, daily. I find that the days where I'm stuck in God's word, are the days where I'm gentle, quiet, lovely, and more loving. I'm only a bear when I forget the Lord, in moments of hasty anger. I think Bridget's advice on prayer and a walk in the morning is a lovely idea, and I've heard that it really helps a lot of people!

Love in Jesus,
Abigail C.

S. Belle said...

I appreciate your comments. Glad to know that I'm not alone! I will try the praying and walking. That sounds like a good idea.

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