"Go to your room and think about the right way to use your words," I said to my daughter as I sent her to her room for a timeout. I managed to keep a low calm voice, but my heart was pounding and all I felt was anger.
With clenched teeth and tight fists I wondered why I have more trouble with this one child than the half dozen I used to care for in my home daycare. She pouted down the hall and I had a Holy Spirit moment.
"Put yourself in a time-out and pray," came a gentle whisper.
I sat down on my couch and poured out my heart to the Lord. I told Him I was frustrated. I asked Him for grace. I prayed for Him to touch my daughter's heart. Quite frankly, it was the best time-out I ever had.
When the timer beeped and I let her out, I was amazed at how God's spirit had worked in her heart and perhaps more importantly, mine. A fresh flood of grace and love filled our home.
My takeaway: Sometimes you just need to put yourself in a timeout and pray.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
No comments:
Post a Comment