Philippians 2:14-15Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
That's our focus these days. Do everything without complaining and arguing. The complaints come in a sigh or an "aw mom" after I instruct the big girls to do something. Then they want to argue with me, questioning (think whiny voice) "Why Mom?"
We're learning obedience first, questions later because there is a good chance the answers
won't encourage obedience anyway. As my wise mother taught me, "If a teacher tells you to jump, your only question is 'how high, ma'am?'"
won't encourage obedience anyway. As my wise mother taught me, "If a teacher tells you to jump, your only question is 'how high, ma'am?'"
So earlier this week I announced it was time to clean up. Major sighs came from C. Oh the grumbling from her little lips was almost too much to bear. So I just pointed to the front door (time out central). Sometimes it's best I keep my mouth closed.
After a couple minutes I called her over to me so we could have a little talk.
Me: You know C, the Bible says to "do everything without complaining and arguing." Do you know what it means to complain? (As soon as I ask, I begin praying, "Lord please dumb this up in my mind for me. Give me a preschool definition for complain. Use me to help her get it.)
C: Yes Mom. I know what complain means.
Me: (in complete shock) You do?! What does complain mean, C?
C: Complaining is when I'm fussing because I can't get what I want or do what I want to do.
Thank you Lord! Godly wisdom from the brain of a 5 year old. Yes, complaining is when we fuss because we can't get or do what we want. Wow.
