Rest assured, the 2 year old doesn't always get everything he wants. And his sisters don't always sacrifice their happiness for his.
But do me a favor - don't ask them. Their memories are selective, and 90% of the time they'll tell you exactly how oppressed they are.
But do me a favor - don't ask them. Their memories are selective, and 90% of the time they'll tell you exactly how oppressed they are.
"Situation Barbie" is where I find myself more often than I expected. Looking for calm in the chaos of life with 3 kids. Mediating a fight between some combination of these two sisters and their brother. Concocting a snack every half hour (most days, you can set your watch to it). Sending them outside; allowing them back in. Facilitating negotiations around which show/movie they should watch together - harder than it seems it would be with an 8, 5, and 2 year old involved.
In the midst of the daily to-do list and running interference, it is so easy to forget that my purpose isn't just to get these three through the day. I'm not here simply to feed them, keep them alive, and put them to bed. My motivation to encourage them to get along can't just be peace and quiet for me while I drink my coffee. Moments like this morning are opportunities for me to remind these little ones of Jesus and how He wants us to live.
And so, that's what I did.
It was brief, but I talked with my 8 year old about sharing, and selflessness in light of Jesus in our hearts. I want to see these three grow up to love others more than themselves. So we continue to have these conversations and make better decisions, the kids and myself alike.
"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12: 28-31
And so, that's what I did.
It was brief, but I talked with my 8 year old about sharing, and selflessness in light of Jesus in our hearts. I want to see these three grow up to love others more than themselves. So we continue to have these conversations and make better decisions, the kids and myself alike.
"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12: 28-31
