Last Updated on March 20, 2018
I recently had one of my most humbling moments as a mother. After receiving a not-so-lovely report about our almost 4-year old son’s behavior in Bible class, I encouraged him to ask God for forgiveness in his bedtime prayer. He recanted by saying, “Yelling is a mistake too, Mommy. You need to ask God for forgiveness for yelling at me earlier today.”
Ouch. Knife to the heart.
As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, he was right. I had yelled at him earlier in the day and had yet to ask him (or God) for forgiveness. I’m not a “yeller” by nature, but lately the urge has been much more prevalent than ever before. I have been extremely prayerful about this issue of mine and am continually reciting Proverbs 15:1.
What this important lesson reminded me, though, is that my children are constantly measuring my words against my actions. Am I just talking the talk? Or am I actually practicing what I preach? As much as I don’t realize it sometimes…there are 4 little eyes constantly upon me, watching my every move.
The responsibility of being a parent who strives to raise your children to love the Lord is completely and utterly exhausting at times. We know we must set a good example for our children, yet we fail time and again in our own humanness.
God knows we are incapable of perfection. And our children know this as well (or will know soon). Although we need to try with all our might to live a holy and righteous life for our sake and the sake of our children, sometimes what we do after we mess up can mean even more.
Admitting our mistakes and asking for forgiveness (from both the person whom we hurt AND from our Heavenly Father) are two ways we can set the example for our children.
As they grow, they will fail and they will make mistakes (just as we do on a daily basis). But having the lifelong example of humble parent, who recognizes the mistakes she makes and takes the necessary steps to “right” her wrongs, might just turn those failures and mistakes into the ingredients needed for a blossoming relationship with our God!
Hi friends! I’m Jenae, the wife of an amazing man and mother to two adorable little boys. Prior to becoming a Mama, I taught a class full of bright-eyed six-year olds all about phonics, sight words, and addition. I now have the pleasure of being able to stay home with the two precious blessings God has entrusted to us. (Well, it’s a pleasure most days… some days it is just plain exhausting!) In addition to fixing quesadillas, making runs for my daily “prescription” of Dr. Pepper, and trying not to step on one of the hundreds of hot wheels that litter my floor, I also share fun and educational ideas for young children at ICanTeachMyChild.com. Above all else, I hope to point my children towards Christ and be an example of grace and love to all those around me.
I think it's awesome that you are able to be accountable to your kids! I had to be also when mine were little, and I know it isn't always easy, but I agree totally with you. Thanks for being open and honest here! And, you put it so well!
Absolutely beautiful Jenae. I am so proud of you!!!
This brought me to tears. I too have been Struggling with my 4 yr old. He is such a smart and Wonderful Blessing to me. I also have a younger son who will be 2 yrs on the 27th. this post lifted me up and made me realize that I to need to ask my son to forgive me and most Important God too. I never used to be a person who yelled. I grew up in a home that had allot of yelling. I just want to thank you for this post. It has opened my eyes.
Isn't it amazing how God can use our children to teach us. I had a similar experience where one of mine said, "Mom, shouldn't you ask me to forgive you?"
This brought tears to my eyes! Thanks for being honest.. so encouraging. God bless!
Nancy Youree.
I love this – thank you for your transparency. We have all been exactly where you were when your son corrected you. I remember my teen-age daughter correcting me one day about yelling as I was correcting her misbehavior and I had to stop, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. It is definitely humbling! Thanks for sharing your story!
As my children grow I am seeing this truth more and more. Children truly are a reflection of ourselves in so many ways while being their own person. Such complex individuals, yet so imitative of our worst qualities. I have a big problem with yelling myself and consequently have loud kids. It is very trying, but very necessary, to change this habit to a quieter one. Thanks for sharing, it was a good reminder for me.