Water on a Rock

(Photo cred:  Erika Fletcher on Unsplash)

Kindergarten is no joke these days, and it appears it is no match for my spunky third child (or her mama). I get it. She holds it together all day at school and then comes home to her safe person…me. But I, too, hold it together all day until I reach my safe place…home. So as you can gather, this can sometimes be a recipe for messy.

How do I parent our head-strong, independent, go for gold third child? (Did I mention we are JUST alike?) What is the best way to give her boundaries, direction, expectations in a healthy way that won’t leave me feeling like I blew it in the heat of the moment?  Anyone?  Like I am all ears.

I am beginning to more fully understand that each of my children are unique and need different life strategy approaches. One day this week, after completely missing the mark, I had to call in backup…daddy to the rescue. He truly has more patience in his pinky than I do in my entire body!  How, I asked, am I supposed to reach her?  How can I help her understand?  Water on a rock was his answer.

(Photo cred:  Didin Emelu on Unsplash)

Water on a rock?  What?  You see, water that drips constantly on a rock will over time change the entire shape and look of the rock…one drip at a time and yet the effect is cumulative.

As I took a step back, I realized that’s exactly how God transforms my life. Like water on a rock, He drips grace, forgiveness, unconditional love, truth, wisdom into my heart, and over time, this constant dripping changes the entire shape and look of my heart. Like water on a rock, God transforms my soul.

God’s constant dripping should remind me that change does not always happen overnight.  Most often, it’s a journey. And God is calling me to drip goodness, love, boundaries, and expectation into the lives of my children.

I can’t wave a magic wand of control around and force transformation into their lives. Rather, like water on a rock, with patience and consistency, I can model how to live a life in Christ. I can teach my children obedience and respect without compromising my own. Yet, I will need the strength and grace that comes from God in order to do so.

Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

(Photo cred:  Amy Humphries on Unsplash)

My prayer is that the drips I receive from God can fall into my heart and overflow into the interactions with my kiddos. Need a reminder?  Walk outside, grab a rock, give your concerns to God in prayer, and keep it with you!  Better yet…grab multiple rocks and share with a friend!  Your challenging relationships may be at work, with a spouse, or friend, but the same concept applies. Let God drip His promises into your life so that you can drip His goodness into the lives of others.

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”

Blessings on your journey,

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”