Wouldn’t it be nice if we never had an irriated tone of voice when we spoke to our children? A friend recently suggested a book called “Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit“. Turns out that this book can be helpful even for those who do not homeschool. Who doesn’t want to deal with their children in a meek and quiet way? Things like fear and worry, disorganization and anger are attitudes that will rob us of this kind of spirit. What will bring about a meek and quiet spirit? Contentment and gratitude. The only way we will be content and thankful is by spending lots of time in the word, praying and practicing. Practicing is the hardest part. We need to be thankful even when the kids have not put their stuff away. As I am writing this I am desperately trying to hold on to any meekness and quietness I may possess because my dear son just ran up the stairs yelling for his sister and woke the baby. I have a long way to go. The encouraging thing is that it can be achieved. I can become a woman who has a meek and quiet disposition regardless of what is going on around her, but I can only do it with Christ’s help, on my own I will fail every time.
Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! I need to be relying on Jesus and asking for his strength all the time as a mom, otherwise it’s overhwhelming.
I am meeting today with my friends to discuss the first two chapters of this book. When I look up the defination of meek – and quiet – argh – they don’t describe me – go figure hehe!
I’m working on this – and in the last 8 weeks I have seen HUGE strides in my own life. Learning to be a gentle mom has really helped me in the area of guilt. I hate the guilt I carried from a harsh look, word or raised voice. With the help of the Holy Spirit and yielding to Him – we can do this!
Keep it up!
Thanks guys. It seems like ever since I read the book God has given me an abundance of opportunities to practice this meekness and I am embarrassed to say that I have failed too often. I need to do better at biting my tongue, holding my breath, counting to 10 … whatever it takes to keep those quick (usually annoyed) responses from leaving my mouth.
Jen – it’s a matter of renewing our minds daily- Rom. 12:1,2. Also, we must not let up and stop working on it – until we’ve mastered Satan as he attempts to get a foothold in this area of our life. I think Satan is working overtime on moms in this area and it’s working! I am learning we are not alone!
Lately as I’ve been working on it – I’ve noticed other moms when we are at the park or a restaurant being “harsh” with their children – finally my eyes are opened and before I can help other moms I have to get this under control in my own life!!!
Also, it’s a matter of self-control – thinking before we do things – slowing down. All the things we try to teach our children! Ugh – so frustrating to be a bad example! I am SO far from there but I have determined that I will be a conqueror in Christ – and I will not continue on the path I have been on – it’s destructive! So keep it up girlfriend and I have a feeling you are much better than you think!
We are all in it together 🙂 But I must admit – I’ve also noticed a lot of sweetsie pooie moms and wonder – why I’m not wired that way – wish I were!
Hey Jen! Do you think I could borrow this book when you are done?? I agree with your post and am finding I lean towards harshness when I am disorganized. UGH!! We NEED to get together!