Monday, June 29, 2009

The search for lost things and a lesson in learning; Galatians 5:22-25

I had big plans for this space today. I was going to load some weekend pictures that I'm sure would have had everyone oohing and ahhhing over my little darlings, and I was going to get my etsy shop up and running. Then I realized that my camera's USB cable is missing. Strangely the cable somehow resembles a bird to #1 that flies around the apartment and seems to be a teether for #2... so unless I find it's 'nest' soon, that plan is on hold. But having my plans put on hold is a way of life around here, it seems. Perhaps they get in the way of His, and I'm learning to be willing to set them aside.

I am also learning a thing or two about how to talk to a three year old. For example, if I say 'It hurts Halle when you throw the ball at her head.', Remy hears 'throw the ball at her head'. Or 'It scares her when you pile all of your covers on her back as she crawls.', he hears 'pile all of your covers...'. You get the idea. I frequently have to realign my words, and it makes me wonder how many times I look at God's word and see/hear what I want to fit my plans. Hmmm.

Thinking back on my days teaching preschool, I am reminded of training that taught us to tell the children what they can do, rather than what they can't. (As in 'You may paint on the paper', rather than 'Do not paint on the wall!') In a frustrated moment I thought of Galatians 5:22 and the fruit of the Spirit. Verse 23 says 'Against such things there is no law.' God invented this positive reinforcement!

These verses were a big check in my spirit today. I must say 'Be kind and gentle to Halle.' a zillion times every day to Remy, but now as I reflect I think my tone likely doesn't echo the same kindness and gentleness I expect from him. It may take several 'Memory Mondays', but we are going to be working on Galatians 5:22-25.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.




P.S. I know that I used to know a song about the fruit... does anyone have a good one? If so, could you send it to me? Remy loves music, and I think he'd be totally into that! Thanks!

2 comments:

  1. I too need to use much more positive reinforcement with my toddlers and also check my attitude!! Thanks for reminding me of this.

    I just started back into Memory Monday and I am grateful to have found your post today!

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  2. That's such a wonderful passage to memorize. I love how you took some everyday life situations you've had and drew some spiritual applications. You gave us a couple of good points to think on when you said:

    (1) "But having my plans put on hold is a way of life around here, it seems. Perhaps they get in the way of His, and I'm learning to be willing to set them aside."

    (2) "it makes me wonder how many times I look at God's word and see/hear what I want to fit my plans. Hmmm."

    Thanks for sharing those thoughts with us!

    Hope you have a wonderful week!
    Karen

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