I lost it! On a Sunday!
I lost my junk going to church Sunday!
I mean what it is about going to church that brings out the demons in our car? Can I get an amen?! I was worn smack out before we even got to the parking lot and we had brought a friend with us…double yikes! She got way more than she ever dreamed of on that car ride.
Isn’t it amazing how one kid’s drumming to the beat of the Jesus-music can send another kid into control mode and demand that everyone do and act as they are doing. I mean …what? She’s drumming? Like you son, haven’t ever done anything annoying in the car?
And, when someone is unwilling to look at the ‘log’ in their eye, nothing makes me more nuts. I made it known to everyone in the van on the way to church. They all felt my feelings.
So, we go to church and I quickly realized that I didn’t get it right in the van. But..how? How do you help kids (who are natural born leaders) see that demanding is not the way?
Over the last 24 hours, I have realized that what I must do for kids who are at the ‘age of understanding’ is immediately invite the Holy Spirit into that moment with prayer!
He is the wisdom, He is the truth, He is the understanding and I cannot act like a lunatic. Instead, invite Him into the car, into the process and into the training. Don’t I want my kids to do that? So, I have to model that. You don’t learn that in Sunday School most times, you learn how to live out your faith on the way to church when I simply ask: “Hey Davis, let’s ask Jesus how He sees what is happening right now?”
If that kid asked Jesus every time how He sees a situation and that was his default when things in him are triggered, he will be unstoppable. His leadership ability now coupled with the counsel of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who leads us with loving kindness into repentance. Amazing!
My kids and yours are growing at rates of speed that rival light, and as each day passes I’m more convinced of my need to parent them by calling out their giftings and helping to shape their struggles into opportunities for growth with help.
My friend, we cannot do this alone, but we have a Helper. He’s flawless at parenting and oh by the way everything else He does.
Invite him into car struggles.
Invite him in to homework.
Invite him in those ‘that girl hurt me’ moments.
He leads in truth and wisdom! As a mother who lost her junk on the way to church, I am thankful and I am not going back.
Stop, breathe, invite … and teach little hearts to ask for help from the ultimate Helper!
Side note from Courtney – did you see Rachel on Fox n Friends yesterday? So neat to see her story of tragedy continue to impact others for such good. We love you and your precious family Rachel! Watch clip here and consider supporting Folds of Honor. I know Rachel would LOVE to see the rest of these families get scholarships. Watch here.
Rachel – I am struggling so much right now with getting frustrated with my girls and knowing I need to stop and pray in the moment. This is a great idea to redirect us all. The sad part is when I see them lashing out the same way at each other in frustration. Gosh this stuff is hard. Thanks for being honest and always pointing us back to the perfect parent.
This is our car, our house, us in the store…. and I thank you for this post because “why didn’t I think of that?” – I keep calling up the virtues I know are there but this approach has really encouraged me today.
I can so relate!! I love the idea of asking Jesus how He sees the situation! I’ll definitely be using that with my four kids 🙂
Folds of Honor is such an amazing organization. My friend Colleen and her son Everett are recipients of scholarships as well. My family is thankful for the brave sacrifice of your husband and so many others. God Bless you and your precious children, Rachel!!
Thanks for sharing Rachel and for being vulnerable. Great suggestion, a prayer and simply calling on the Holy Spirit can change the atmosphere in a moment. Keep up the good work. These types of days are challenging with kids but hang in there the fruit of your labor will be great.