Sunday, January 25, 2009

Redeming the time

"Being confident in this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Phil. 1:6
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Gal. 6:9
Paul sat on the stairs with a small mountain of clean cloth diapers beside him. It is his job to fold them and put them away. I was folding a not so small mountain of clean clothes next to him and encouraging him along the way. But somehow, Paul kept goofing off and making his job harder by not following the simple directions I gave him. When I spoke firmly to him about finishing his work and not whining about the difficulty, he looked up at me and in a pleading voice said,
"But Mom, you need to train me."
Proverbs says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (22:6) That promise motivates me on the days when all the boys seem to do is fight. It challenges me when I want to take the easy road and just put a movie on while I make supper. It encourages me when I hear my son ask for training. For although he does not realize it, he is learning to love listening to Mom and Dad. He values our opinions and wisdom. He needs our counsel. He wants our help. Some will say- "Enjoy it! It is over too soon, he will know everything before you know it. Then there is no need for Mom and Dad"
But I have seen the fruit of good training- I have experienced it. My parents were some of my best friends all through my growing up. I never hit that age when I did not need them. Sure, I wanted to decide things myself after a while, but I wanted their input and their counsel. I knew they had experiences that would help me.
I want that with our boys. Marcus is testing us a lot right now. I pray daily that I do not miss his small attempts to connect with Mom- because I am so busy disciplining his wrong behavior. I want him too- to desire to be trained.
Training- "This is the way we peel a cucumber", "Daddy goes to work for us so we can have a good warm home and good food to eat. He takes goooood care of us.", "No, we don't shoot people, we shoot deer and bears", "No son, we don't hit, now come to Mom...."
It happens if I want it to or not. When having a bad day I blamed my crying on being tired. Now when Paul is having a bad attitude, upon questioning he says- "No I am not pouting, I am just tired."
Please pray the the Lord will strengthen Scott and I to the great task before us. May we train in love and consistency. May we not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap. We have little souls depending on us.
"Please train us"
Red, white and black
Red, white and black again
Red white and black original! :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a good reminder.... ah, the whole concept of 'training is happening NOW' wether you want it or not, is hard. I wish they got it when I am 'ON" and then 'froze' till the next time!
I need to work on Justice's mouth right now... haahhaa, wonder why?!?
Are the boys all the same age in that outfit? - I can't believe Paul looked SOOO little there!! I just found a CD of pics you guys gave us of a visit when they were 7months old... seems like yesterday they were babies!! Can't wait to see you all soon!Rebecca

Anonymous said...

I was reminded today of an old diaper folding song that was inspired by Auntie Elizabeth.. Remember..Jesus at gethsemane...."I don't want to do it , but YES I WILL"
Silas was challenged in this today.Doesn't want naps...we wnet thru Jesus" crossraods and how he prayed this and Silas looked up at me and I'm sorry Mom, can MoMo take me up. The Power of Jesus and His words....can do so much more than our persuasion! Thanks for the inspiration...for you guys and the Shepards are helping me finish strong. Silas will never know he was the last and thus never be spoiled???????? Love You and Yes I will pray. You guys are doing a FANTASTIC JOB at TRAINING and we are all reaping.
Love Mom

Josiah and Abi Wissmann said...

Oh Lydia! That is SO good! May God extend an extra measure of grace to you! Keep in the fight for the sake of Jesus Christ...and those precious little souls! HE sees your heart!:)

Anonymous said...

Provers 31:28-31
Her children arise up, and call her BLESSD; her husband also, and praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuosly, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is vain but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Love you sNu