Seize that opportunity

We all want our children to get along well with one another don't we? 

It is irritating when they don't right?

We complain about the mishaps and allow them to ruin our day right? 

Well... We shouldn't.. 

Some times (I'm not perfect) I think *yeah* rub my hands together and cease that session of unfriendliness as a pure real-life hands-on heart-wrenching lesson.. 

Years ago I would rejoice when the snotty nose season began so I could start teaching them to blow their nose. To me it was an opportunity for that area of hygiene and awareness of themselves, for the younger crowd it was fine motor development. 

Now-a-days I (sometimes) rejoice in the discomfort of a situation that needs attending to. Such as.. A sudden bout of unfriendliness or lack of self-control. 

I take that opportunity as it arises and ask the question.. Was that kind? Would you like that to happen to you? How would you feel? What would the right/kind/better choice have been? 

I get to teach biblical principles through the actions that have occurred.. 

Yes it was right that you noticed something wrong, but it wasn't ok to ___... The right thing to have done would have been to... Be kind.

I get to humble myself and share parts of my heart, parts of my life, with my children.. The wrong things.. The things I shouldn't do that I do.. Things adults do that are not wise.. 

I also get to say that when I do such n such I need to go ask forgiveness of that person and make it right.. These are things that are often not public.. But should be.. 

Meaning my children might see bad behaviour from me.. But not me setting it right.. It needs to be public also..

Such as a heated argument between myself and my spouse in front of the children.. The apology needs to be public not private.. (I mean not JUST private).. And I need to apologise to the children for displaying behaviour that is not right. 

These trials and tribulations that occur don't need to be mere disruptions to our otherwise peaceable days.. They can be turned into valuable life lessons in under 5 minutes. 

So the next time something happens.. Take it as your opportunity to offer a valuable life lesson that will hopefully stick for long times to come.. But remember the lesson may be a recurring one ;) 

5 things I am thankful for:

1. Life lessons through trials

2. Mercy & Grace & forgiveness being extendable when we stuff up

3. Sharing my heart

4. The time we have together to share and grow together 

5. Joy