Persistence

One of our children has caused a bit of grief at home - for years. The battle? This child's stubborn, strong will. When dinner didn't appeal to our strong-willed wonder (SW for short), SW could chew a bite for 15 minutes refusing to swallow. SW knows that "stealing" is wrong, but didn't seem to care, taking things "just because I want it." SW would stubbornly refuse to do chores, "because I want to play."

We don't indulge this type of behavior. We discipline it. For years. Our child has spent more hours in the corner than any kid I know. This child has apologized - often coached to say the right words, then to say them again respectfully - more times than I can count. There's more, but you get the idea.

We prayed for wisdom - how do we discipline the heart, God? We prayed for strength - I just want to quit, God. This is so hard. We prayed for love - God, help us love this one the way they need love and not focus just on the misdeed after misdeed after misdeed. We prayed for perseverance - God help us remember that you will honor our commitment some day. We prayed with our child, too, providing the words so we could all pray together.

Last week was particularly tough. It seemed that instead of getting better, SW decided to pull out all the stops and do everything they could think of to create chaos at home. We got to the point where we looked this child in the eye and said, "No matter how many times you do this, we will discipline you. Because, child, we (pause) love (pause) you. We won't quit until you do."

Yesterday, everything changed. Suddenly! Our child greeted us in the morning with a different face. There was peace in SW's eyes - we could see it. The tone of this child's voice was different. The way SW walked, talked, sat, played, did chores. You name it. This child was transformed. All the things that have caused us fits for years - I mean FOR YEARS - suddenly evaporated.

I'm so surprised, but I don't know why. How often has God reminded me - you know, that nudge from the Holy Spirit that we wish we could ignore - to make the right choice, even though I consistently ignored it? I have a bad day and "take it out on the kids," yelling over little things, just because of my selfish mood. I complain about other drivers because I'm in a rush. Just like my child, there's more, but you get the idea.

Yet God is always patient with me. He forgives AND forgets, every time I ask. He always offers me another chance. He lets me go through it again and again until I finally understand. He never quits.

Dear God, Please give me wisdom. Discipline my heart when I need it. When I want to quit, give me strength to continue. When I don't want to love others, fill my heart with Your love and love them through me. Forgive me of my pride, my selfishness, and my own stubborn will. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank you for your love that will not quit. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

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