Lessons from a little child
A few days ago, I was having a bad afternoon. Nothing was really wrong--except my attitude. I was feeling frazzled for no reason and it was the little things which were "getting to me" and causing me to be short and snippy with the girls.Finally, Jesse walked in the door and I was never so glad to see him! And would you know what the first words were out of Kathrynne's mouth?
"Mama's soo beautiful!"
Say what, Kathrynne?
When I should have been snuggling, playing, laughing, and enjoying you and your sister, I was instead feeling frustrated and irritated. Despite this, you overlooked my bad attitude and exclaimed how beautiful you think I am!
Kathrynne's simple comment immediately convicted me of how ugly my attitude had been for the past hour. After repenting of it and thinking some more on her comment, this verse came to mind:
"...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
The next time someone else mistreats me or has a less-than-beautiful attitude towards me, I hope I remember to be like Kathrynne and overlook the ugliness and instead love this person and see them as beautiful.
And, isn't that a wonderful picture of Christ has done for me?
Labels: Mothering
posted by Crystal Paine at 4:16 PM
12 Comments:
How precious! This brought tears to my eyes. How fast the years have gone by. My girls are both grown (20 and 17) and the oldest is expecting her first baby in August. I miss those days when they were little.
What a great story! Your daughters are such sweetie pies!
I think that's a direct reflection of their parents :)
Amazing that they still love us even when we're rotten, isn't it? I remember when I first realized that if ***I*** could be loved by my kiddo when I was bad, surely I could loved by ***God*** when I was bad... eye opener, for sure.
Wow! Little children often are the ones who teach us the most! I believe the Lord uses your children to teach you lessons from Him! Praise God for this story! How precious and convicting it was(I can't wait to be a mom! :)).
Thank you for sharing, Mrs. Paine; this story truly gave me a lot to think about!!
Many blessings,
Rebekah, age 15
www.byhisgraceandforhisglory.blogspot.com
P.S. I haven't been on your blog in a few days(due to busyness!), and boy have I missed it! :) It's great to be back. By the way, that pic of Kathrynne is precious.
We can learn so much from looking through the eyes and hearts of little children. It can be very humbling.
I know what you mean though about trying to have that same heart when others are not so kind. It is easier to become defensive and protective - yet we are called to be like little children.
It's amazing what little children can say (and how unworthy and humbling it can make us feel)!
By the way my youngest has the exact same dress as Kathrynne is wearing in the pic!
So true!
George tells me I "do a good job" when I'm visibly upset. The other day he told me my shirt was pretty. I was wearing a grimey old t-shirt, but he was trying to compliment me because I was not happy and that was his way of cheering me up. Children are so sweet.
-Zan
I've had experiences just like the one you've described.
Thank the Lord for our sweet babies.
God is so good!
You know I was having a day like that recently. I was blogging and complaining about all my problems when the Lord brought to my mind the verse that says to do everything without grumbling and complaining. Wow what conviction! I immediately began a new post with some of the things I am thankful for.
So many times, my children have unknowingly taught me the greatest lessons of faith and forgiveness. "And a child shall lead them..." Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing this. My little sister, in particular, has done me the same type of favor for me many times. How humbling it can be to rebuked by a child - even if they aren't purposely trying to humble you, but encourage you!
It's also nice to know that I'm not the only one who becomes snappy even when there's no good reason. Praise God He can forgive and CLEANSE me!
Children are so amazing! They teach me and humble me daily.
God bless...Angela
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