Don't Forget How Far We've Come

View from Winesburg to Mt. Eaton

We are on "vacation" at my mom's house and having a lovely time of it.

I'm re-reading Rachel Jankovic's book, "Loving the Little Years" which I highly recommend. This second time through I'm realizing she is really teaching me about myself more than about my kids. One of the things she points out is how easy it is to forget about the progress our kids make. They struggle with a temptation and eventually overcome it but a new struggle replaces it and on goes their sanctification. I need to be thankful for that progress and encouraged by it. 

Here are some "Progresses" my kids have made:

A belly busting temper tantrum gets you no where (it hasn't happened in 3 weeks.)

If you answer, "ME!" when asked, "Who should be first?" you will NOT be first!

If you run and scream hysterically the puppy thinks you want to play and will jump all over you.

Mboy and Dboy are able to pray at meals without any help.

Do not screech, "MOM" and start to tell me your woe from another room-come to me.

Each person has a "personals" space and we respect that space.

The older ones memorized 3 Bible verses during Backyard Bible Club.

To Obey involves 3 parts: doing what you're asked ALL the way, RIGHT away, and with a JOYFUL heart.

Phoebe, TT, and Mgirl

Also, sometimes one kid makes progress on a particular area of temptation but maybe another kid picks it up or is still struggling with it. To me, if I don't pay attention, I could be frustrated and feel like there's no hope so I want to watch carefully for areas of success and rejoice in those small victories.