Conversations with a friend.
A friend came to spend time with us today. We only hang out once in a long while, but she’s a friend whose insight I’ve come to value. She’s always analyzing and wondering and observing. Just a few things from our conversations together that I want to remember:
- She noted one major difference in JE’s and my discipline methods with the kids. Pace. JE is more slow-paced in his reactions and his tone. And it gives the kids time to fear (in a good way) and process what happened. JE also ends up expending less energy. I tend to work a fast pace, which may not be the pace my kids work at. Particularly Cub. Slow down a little.
- It’s important to balance teaching with living. More will be caught than taught. And perhaps a mother who lives and breathes the gospel will do more in teaching her children the gospel (particularly at this age) than a mother who teaches the gospel but neglects her own soul and living the gospel.
- Prayer. Maybe the more a believer matures, the slower they are to teach others … and quicker to pray. Because it’s there that we meet with God, humble our hearts, and ask Him to work powerfully. May I not neglect to pray.