Reaching the Heart of the Issue

So when we are faced with a 'challenging moment' in our parenting, we need to stop and think.

If we just react to the surface problem we can miss the root of the issue and so will find ourselves in a cycle of futility that will not reap any changes.

So how do we get to the heart of the issue?

First, we need to look at the basics of obedience and self-control. Have we been consistent with our instructions and consequences? Have we been training the positive virtues in times of non-conflict? Is the child in charge of the day or is our gentle authority evident?

Here are a few examples of what the heart issue may be for various scenarios. These may be a result of disobedience and a lack of self-control and/or something deeper:

* Stealing - attention seeking
           - discontent
           - envy

* "go-slow" - attention seeking
            - day dreaming
            - passive aggressive behaviour

* anger outbursts - selfishness
                  - justice
                  - attention seeking

* independent play struggles - attention seeking
                             - selfishness
                             - lack of self-play adeptness practice

* sibling arguments - attention seeking
                    - selfishness
                    - lack of conflict resolution skills

So, my consequennce for each issue will vary depending on the specific heart issue.

This takes thought and effort yet yields good fruit.

The Hands That Held

The Hands that Held

 

The hands that held me,

Those that led,

Gently, tightly and so secure.

Keeping me safe,

Then guiding me on,

Then letting go.

 

Your hands that held me,

Those that led,

now they let me go,

gently, softly and feeling secure.

 

The words that taught me,

Those that showed,

Comforting, wise and trustworthy.

Keeping me loved,

Then showing me on,

Then keeping quiet.

 

Your words that taught me,

Those that showed,

Now are in my heart,

Comforting, wise and still trustworthy.

 

The path that led me,

That which lit,

Brightly rightly and so of God.

Keeping me on the way,

Then holding me there,

Then stepping back.

 

The path that led me,

That which lit,

Now is my chosen path,

Brightly, rightly and so of God.

 

Your hands held me,

Your words taught me,

Your path led me,

To God.

 

Now His hands, they hold me,

His words, they teach me,

His path, His alone, leads me.

 

And as I live in and with Him,

I am reminded of His love

And of you.

For His hands, words and path,

Remind me of yours.

 

Emily Ann Nightingale Hayde

 

Love

Love,
sometimes,
says 'yes'.

Love,
sometimes,
says 'no'.

Love,
sometimes,
says 'wait'.

Love,
sometimes,
will confront.

Love,
sometimes,
will yield.

Love,
sometimes,
will compromise.

Love,
sometimes,
hurts our heart.

Love,
sometimes,
fills our heart.

Love,
always,
is from the heart.