A New Day

When I get up in the morning I think "Well today is a chance to do this parenting thing right." Today is one of those days where I think I blew it before the coffee was made.

I often wonder what is the difference. One day I can be so patient, giving loving answers, staying calm through the bomb shells bursting around me. The next day I fall apart over a look. I'm not sure really, what it is that makes the difference.

I only know that I can ask forgiveness from my God. I can teach my child about forgiveness by asking it of him. I can model for him that we all need it. We need to be strong, and humble enough to ask for it.

So I begin again.

Secret grudges

Do you ever catch yourself secretly holding a grudge, building up resentment for what has happened in your home? I will sometimes catch myself reading meaning into every action and word my child with RAD says. I will sometimes say no because I'm angry for the way I've been treated. We need to talk with friends, family and God about our feelings and not bottle them up. When we don't say out loud "I am angry with this child because of yada yada" we can build up resentment.

During this long weekend I am going to focus on thinking positive about my child. I'm going to work hard at believing any positive words they say and carefully considering the validity of his negative words. Forgiveness is powerful. In Sunday School a couple of weeks ago we talked about it. Our pastor uses this example. It is like we are in a box. Every time we do something out of anger or resentment it is like we put up a bar across the front of the opening until we have imprisoned ourselves in a prison of unforgiveness.

Everyone deserves to be loved as they are. Today...embrace and forgive.

While you are at it remember to be thankful for the unfathomable Gift today represents.