Interruptions are always difficult. I have this idea, a direction and in a single instant, all is derailed. Of course, some interruptions are short, easily managed and I can return to the task at hand. Other times, I must stop, carve out time and deal with this other matter.
Interruptions are a test of our faith, our patience, our resolve, and our commitment to persevere. And interruptions are the background music of motherhood. There are questions, spills, retellings, discoveries, accidents, the making, eating and cleaning of food, and the many other mundane tasks that are so vital to the care of little people and big.
These moments are the training ground for our kids. Here is where we teach them consideration and independence. Here is where we teach them what is true and right and good. Here is where we correct them and encourage them. For instance:
- Put your hand on mom’s arm and wait to speak while she’s talking to another adult.
- Be responsible and clean up the spill you made.
- Be grateful for the food (and home and toys) we have. Learn the attitude of contentment.
- Would you like it if your brother did that to you? Then act in love.
But, these moments are also a training ground for mothers and fathers. Here in this multitude of interruptions, my flaws are exposed: short tempers, hasty words, reacting instead of responding, and more. Here in these seemingly ordinary details of my life, God is trying to teach me even more than I am trying to teach my child. Lessons of patience, forbearance, grace, discipline, consistency.
The question is – am I willing to learn?
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4
“The process of shaping the child… shapes also the mother herself.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
Photo by Ferenc Horvath on Unsplash
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