I just spent the week with my older kids for Spring Break. At the age of 17, 12 and 10, they have completely stolen my heart and kept it for ransom! I miss them so much when they are not with me. It's so hard to be without them in my life on a daily basis. I am so thankful for Skype, text messaging, phone calls and email. Being able to be in daily contact with them is so the only way I can get through this time. I cried all the way home from the airport today wishing I had hugged a little bit tighter and longer!
We spent some time during their visit discussing how to treat people. They seem to get on each other's nerves as most all siblings do. But it seems without the constant reminder to treat those that we care about with love and respect, they tend to get a little rude, obnoxious, hateful and downright mean. Who knew you could actually tell bobbie pins apart! Not me!!! That's not what I want for my children to think is the right way to treat people, communicate with those closest to them and just assume that it will all be OK in the end. So we talked about making decisions and doing things in a manner that simply is true to yourself. "Be true to you in all situations and you can't go wrong" is what I told them. By the end of the week it seemed to be sticking. I hope they can keep it up and remember to love each other even when they aren't happy with each other. I hope they remember to "do it because of who YOU are, not because of who THEY are".
It got me to thinking though about my own life and whether or not I do the same thing in a more grown up way. I know there have been times when I have simply said, "I'm not going to their kids birthday party, they completely blew off the one we invited them to" or chosen to not answer the phone when someone calls simply because I am holding a grudge about something they said, did, didn't say or didn't do. I want to change that. I want to be the one who makes decisions based on who I am and the person that God has created me to be, not because so and so offended me or didn't call or didn't show for a party.
How horrible would it be if God chose not to do something for me simply because I offended him. UM...daily! I would not have any of the blessings I feel each day. I would be missing out on so much. Thank you Heavenly Father that you love me despite my imperfections, bad choices, mood swings and unwillingness to let go of things. Please make me more like you. Help me to "do it because of who I am, not because of who THEY are." Please soften my heart, remind me who you have created me to be and help me to live that each and every day. Thank you for your love and for your salvation! Use me to reach those who need to feel that same love and experience that same security of eternity in heaven with you.
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