Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, PUT ON tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:12-17
The last few weeks have been a bit exhausting. Mommying two teethers and a VERY strong-willed three year old has begun to sap me of my energy, and yes, even give me a few gray hairs! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mom. I treasure my time with my kids and am so thankful that God has allowed me to stay home with them! Having said that, I'm just plain tired! It is easy for me to begin complaining to Ben about this kid's behavior, and that kid's behavior, but God, so graciously, has been reminding me of what my behavior toward my kids should be like, and showing me sin in my own heart. In the midst of the kid's tantrums and fits, am I being tender, kind, humble, patient, forgiving, loving, peaceful and thankful in my actions and my words?...hmmm, not always. What a high calling we have, to be Christ to our kids. So, this passage has become dear to me as of late. Just look at how much truth is here, even about parenting. Not only is this what my life is to look like now that I am a new creature, but there is so much here that I need to be training my kids in. God's Word is so full and rich!
