Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Day 168 Anger & teachable moments

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Well, this is a teachable moment in our household - taking the bait of trouble makers, the invite to fight. Most normal teenagers have some sort of fist fight growing up and its the parents job to "milk" the teachable moments in life when they are still learning, and when consequences are limited to a the "school yard shuffle".
As Dr Hunter so succinctly put it "my life is in the hands of any rascal who chooses to annoy and tease me". We are now reflecting on what pushes 'our buttons'.

1 Corinthians 10:12-14

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 1"13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

As James says temptations arise within us it's not outside ourselves.


2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Well the altercation that resulted in a broken wrist was prompted by insults thrown at my character - the mum, and what son worth his salt, would not respond to such with a righteous moral anger? Well the mom, has now the financial burden of this character assignation that was so ridiculous for words was not worth the energy to speak the words let alone the $2,000 in medical bills.
Needless to say, being prudent in what battles are worth fighting for is needed here.

The second altercation, "the school yard shuffle", thankfully didn't result in such harm.

5 A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

I am grateful that both sons, are reflecting on these issues and accepting correction. Time will tell whether they "heed the correction" Proverbs 15 will also be part of their reflection process.

So , off we go to begin the process... thanks to be God for His Wisdom, he makes our crooked paths straight and helps us to "make straight the way for the Lord" John 1. I am so grateful for God's influence and prower in our lives.

1 comment:

  1. I appreciate your comments Siobhan. My daughter and I are finally communicating without getting too angry with each other. We are both learning gentle words while being honest with each other. Prayers and love Charlotte

    ReplyDelete