Day Three…  July 26, 2012

I felt pretty victorious yesterday.  I had some battles, but the Holy Spirit spoke loudly, I listened, and chose to handle my words differently…  that is, until Bible study time with the kids last night.

I really believe women do have a special gift of intuition.  We can truly “sense” when something is about to happen.  If you agree, then you will greatly appreciate this story. 

My husband Chris had settled on the middle cushion of our couch to lead our family Bible study.   Two-year old Zoe and I were lying on the floor below with our heads resting on the front of the couch.  Five-year old Joe hopped up on the couch with six-year old Thomas right behind him.  However, Thomas was being a little rambunctious.  I could sense what was about to happen if he didn’t settle down, so I warned him to calm down, be careful, and not fall on my head.  And guess what happened only a few seconds later?  Yep!  He fell on top of my head!  Not only did he fall on my head, but he hit my glasses as well.  (If this mental picture makes you laugh, please go right ahead.  I find it very funny now.  But in the moment, I was so angry!)  My glasses were smashed into my face and I had just told him to settle down, so this didn’t happen.  I looked at him with the “mommy piercing eye look” and spoke with the “mad mommy” voice, “Thomas!  Didn’t I tell you to be careful, so this didn’t happen?”  In a flash, he looked at me with big, sincere eyes, and said in his sweet, child voice, “Mommy…  I’m sorry.  Are you okay?”  I was amazed how quickly my fury subsided.  My son had made a mistake…  he hadn’t meant to,…  but he did.  Now, I had a choice on how I would respond.  Would I continue to tell him how wrong he was for not heeding my warning or would I tell him he was forgiven? 

I wish I could say I immediately wanted to forgive him and hug him, but my flesh cried out from within to make sure he knew the wrong he did.  So, I didn’t speak.  Instead, I turned to the family Bible study time.  After we were finished, I called Thomas over and told him I loved him.  I told him I forgave him.  And, then, with a grin, I told him I wanted to know what he learned from falling on my head.  He smiled and said, “I learned to never do that again.  Next time I will listen to you, Mommy, because we both got hurt.”  I asked him how he was hurt and he proceeded to tell me that my glasses had poked him in the hiney!  We laughed and hugged.  And now I sit and smile grateful for a precious moment with my child rather than an ugly one.    

***

Father, thank you for giving me the wisdom and self-control I needed in that moment to truly love my son. Thank you also for showing me during some study time on Ephesians 4:29 that “unwholesome” also means “corrupt, rotten, or foolish talking.”  When I read those words, I immediately pictured green puffs of air coming from my mouth every time I speak unwholesomely.  And, the more I speak it, the more my home fills with the green, suffocating stuff.  Before long, my entire family is breathing in the poison from my mouth.  That isn’t what I want, Lord.  It truly isn’t.  Forgive me for the angry words spoken tonight in my frustration and weariness.  I long to be filled with more love…  to put on more of Jesus’ love everyday so that sweetness comes from my lips and fills my home with the sweet aroma of Him.  Teach me how to do it…  guide me. 

Thank you for the successes today.  Thank you that in You, there can be more tomorrow. 

***

My Child,

I see your weariness tonight.  Know you did well, and you are forgiven.  This is a process.  Tomorrow is a new day.  You have chosen the best things…  time with Me.  So sleep well…  rest in Me…  And we will walk this journey together again tomorrow.

Your Peaceful Father

Today I shared how God is working in my life; how He longs to free me from my unwholesome talk.  Your stronghold or struggle may be different, however, the picture of green poison or sweet fragrance is the same regardless.  Sin brings about poison.  Jesus brings the sweet fragrance.  Are you stinky or sweet? 

Every time we sin (for example, when I speak unwholesomely to others, or even to myself), we are literally puffing out poison meant to harm.  Think about that for a moment.  Think of your home… your workplace…  think about every place you spend time.  If you could really see the impact you are making in these places, would it be the sweet fragrance of Jesus or the suffocating poison?  Talk to your loving Father about where you are and where you long to be.  He’ll help you…  He will always help you.

For Further Study:

Read John 8:1-11.  What words describe the woman?

What words describe Jesus?

What do you learn about Him? 

Read 1 John 1:9.  What do you learn about God?