Sometimes parenting a two year old feels like no more than a series of disciplinary actions/words.
So this is what God must have felt like all my life.
Stop!
No, don't do that.
Put that down.
Don't touch that!
Right now we are in the process of trying to teach our oldest son to think before he acts as well as the difference between good decisions and bad decisions.
I sometimes forget to do this myself but really feel I am improving daily. I hope!
The fruit of the Spirit encompasses several characteristics that I would love to embody and also teach my children.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
We as parents hope to learn and practice the fruits of the Spirit and in turn teach our children these as well. The best way is by example.
Kids love to imitate others.
It is important to note that when trying to grow fruit there are numerous steps:
*Ready the soil
*Plant the seed
*Nourish the seed
*Wait, wait, wait for growth
Once a plant grows from the ground it takes time to grow fruit. It doesn't happen over night.
So it is true with fruit of the Spirit.
Seeds are planted, nourished, and then the waiting and growth begins.
I believe growth in these areas can and should be a lifelong process.
We are never completely done growing and there is always room for improvement.
I know I for one could use improvement in patience and self-control, just to name a couple!
The key is to not give up whenever we mess up in one area or another.
Have Grace with myself and my children.
Afterall, we are all learning!
