The Well Intentioned Child

I don't know about your house but around here it can go from calm to crazy in 60 seconds and most days it does just that! As the children grow older i encourage them that when they see something in a place it doesn't belong pick it up, be diligent with their chores, look for opportunities to help out without being asked etc. In the process of the older ones learning this the younger ones learn from their example which brings us to the well intentioned child......

You know the one im talking about.........
The one who will try to put a glass in the sink and it shatters in a million teeny tiny pieces on the tile.
The one who tries to clean a diaper for you and ends up making a way bigger mess.
The one who brings you some paint for a craft, trips and covers everyone and everything in the way in pink paint.
The one who brings you the huge bag of oatmeal and you end up with this on the kitchen floor.

So in these moments we are faced with a challenge and how we respond immediately and over time will strongly affect that child. We must be careful not to feed our own selfish desire to be exasperated and inconvenienced, when these accidents come at the MOST inconvenient times often. So here are a few verses i have memorized that have helped me greatly to overcome my selfish desires to feel violated against and let words come from my mouth that will give the impression i am mad, upset, frustrated, tired and so on....

• Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21
• There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
• A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

 I do not always get it right and i fail at keeping my emotions in check but I try to realize what a great heart opportunity i have at hand to point them to the gospel not just in my words but my actions. If i respond calmly and lovingly then they in turn will do that when they are wronged, but in those occasions when i miss this I can come to them and repent and give them the opportunity to see forgiveness in action.

I'd love to hear some of your funny "well intentioned" child stories!