The day started out calmly. Followed by church. Quiet Times. And a short nap.
But that solitude – it was only the calm before the storm . . . I mean water fight.
It was an unusual gift. But it was a gift that made everyone happy, provided afternoon entertainment, could be reused, gave the perfect excuse for purchasing such a frivolous gift being that it was Father’s Day, and most importantly was a toy.
Boys men like toys.
At least, mine do.
Let the games begin.
May Gabe go out in joy and be led forth in peace. (Isaiah 55:12)
My our sons be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and in steadfastness. (Titus 2:2)
May our sons know that a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)
May Ezra discipline his body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others he himself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
May Asher, Ezra, Gabe (and Naomi) fear not, stand firm , and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for them today. (Exodus 14:13)
May our sons not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
May our sons turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:11)
May our children believe in the God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. (2 Timothy 1:9)
It was a good day. A fun day. The calm before the storm actually.
Because then things got rough. I got rough. Mean. Angry. With my words and voice, I acted like a machine gun. Rapid fire. Hot. Stinging bullets.
However, I asked for forgiveness. I’m not saying that makes my actions this week ok . . . what I am saying is that if you mess up . . . if you load the gun of your mouth – get on your knees and apologize to your children.
Don’t just say, “Hey buddy, I messed up,” and move on.
Say, “Hey buddy can I talk with you? I want you to know that I love you very much, but I made a big mistake today. I didn’t show you love or treat you as Christ wants you to be treated. I am sorry. I ask for your forgiveness for _______________. I was wrong and I want you to know that I understand that I sinned. Will you pray with me as I talk with God about it? Do you have anything else that you want to talk about?”
Restore the relationship. Yea, they might remember the day your mouth spewed hot lava . . . but they will also remember how you humbled yourself and asked for forgiveness. Not just sorry . . . .
Forgiveness.
Warrior Prayers . . . how is it changing your life?
Like last week . . . leave a comment (and a link if you blogged about your week doing Warrior Prayer!)
Ummm . . . there are 74 of you and I only heard from a few . . . and even if you aren’t one of my 74 ladies . . . leave a comment if you are praying for your children!
