naptime thoughts

the terrible trying two’s have been humbling.  refining.
i have learned so much about my own sin and blemishes through disciplining my own child. it is a great responsibility to discipline children with grace and represent god’s love to them at the same time. i recently read and article by john piper where he stated these truths:

“”Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). It makes no sense that God would require children to obey parents and yet not require parents to require obedience from the children. It is part of our job — to teach children the glory of a happy, submissive spirit to authorities that God has put in place. Parents represent God to small children, and it is deadly to train children to ignore the commands of God.”

i realize that these challenges are just beginning. i am thankful for this perspective from the beginning and pray that we will fulfill this great responsibility adequately. i know for sure that i will have many trying moments where i will just need to rely on god’s grace to be enough. sin is really ugly. it’s even ugly on a cute two year old; but mercy, patience, and unconditional love to correct and teach repentance is a beautifully glorifying thing.

“grant that through the tears of repentance I may see more clearly the brightness and glories of the saving cross.” the valley of vision