Attitude

Has that ever been a struggle in our house lately! At first I thought this was all about Kiersten (as she and I are battling it out for 1st place in the attitude category). You see, for one so little she sure can give it good. Isn't 6 1/2 a little young to be rolling the eyes? Sighing? Giving me the 'Yes, Mom' with a tone that is anything but sweet? Talking back - sometimes under her breath? And when I get this 'flack', shall we say, it starts to set my blood to boiling. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if we weren't together 24/7. But since we are there is more than ample opportunity for her to display her attitude towards me. The sad part....she isn't learning this from other kids at school! (Well, maybe she is learning it at school. Although I do not like the thought of who must be teaching her!)

So for the past few weeks it has been tough. Not just on me, but for her too. As these episodes of 'flack' have left me with little respite my tongue has become sharper. Saying things to vent frustration that would be better left unsaid. It has caused me to be overly critical of every little thing Kiersten does and struggling to compliment her. Isn't that just ugly when you read it? Oh dear, my attitude needs some adjusting. And to be honest it didn't occur to me until another Mom mentioned a similar situation with her daughter, of similar age, and how just this past week it occurred to her to stop praying for her daughter to change and start praying for her, the Mom, to change.

As a result of all this I have been making parenting-type topics and speaking in love areas to seek when I read my Bible. Wouldn't you know I read a verse last night that hit me right between the eyes?

'Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.' -Ephesians 4:2

I have been anything but gentle and patient with her. And I think it is safe to say not much has come out of my mouth that has been loving. Wow. Ugliness. And here I thought it was just Kiersten that was the problem! Turns out Mom is the one who needs an attitude adjustment. We are working on it, or rather God is, now that He has my attention. I will say there were some verses in James 1 that also spoke to me about my attitude and my tongue. (James 1:19 & James 1:26 - just to throw a few out there)

And this is where it becomes clear why I enjoy babies so much. Sure, they are cute, cuddly and have cheeks that just beg to be kissed- but the #1 reason....they don't talk back! :)