I Fail…….{Part 1}

I fail…..my children in so many ways.

Every. Single. Day.

This has been on my mind a lot lately as I try to draw closer to the Lord.

As you may well know, the harder we try to draw closer to Him, the harder life in general becomes.

In the next few posts I will try to show my deepest and utmost failures and ways to rectify them. If you happen to relate to any of them, I would so appreciate your prayers!

I fail…..

…by reacting with a negative word instead of an encouraging one.

…by not treating my children with respect.

…by hollering instead of answering with a gentle word.

…by demanding respect instead of earning it.

…by not hearing their words but reacting to their tone of voice.

…by not praying nearly enough for them but by praying for my patience instead.

…because I am a poor example in so.many.ways.

…because I have a hard time with my harsh tone of voice.

…because I lose my temper.

…because I slam doors and cabinets when I am angry.

…because I grump about my chores.

…because I always pile stuff on the end tables instead of putting said object away.

…because I am way more selfish than I really care to admit.

…because I argue with my husband in front of them.

…because I too much use the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude.

…because I allow my human side to show too much instead of my Christian mama side.

But, thankfully I know that by grace (favor or good will; the freely given unmerited favor and love of God) and mercy (when shown compassion on a deserved punishment; an act of kindness, compassion, or favor) I can {and am trying really, really hard} change.

The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (emphasis is mine)

Which says to me, that I have permission to call upon the Lord in any time of need. Not in times when someone else thinks I should call out or when it seems like too big of a thing. That not only do I have permission, but I have permission to come boldly (not hesitating or fearful, with courage) to the throne of the almighty God and seek His mercy and grace.

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” (KJV)

The NIV version of 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”

Either verse version says to me, that it does not matter what the care or anxiety is, give it to the Lord because He cares. He cares, always, about the big and small of it all.

So in honor of the Mercy and Grace that I am so thankful to be on the receiving end of, I vow that these are the ways I will react instead:

I will….

…spend more time with the Lord.

…show more respect for my husband.

…listen, intently, always.

…respond to my children after I have taken a breath.

…temper my tone of voice to reflect the love I feel for them.

…listen then respond instead of simply reacting.

…encourage my children instead of criticize.

…count to 10 and say a small prayer and reign in my temper.

…pray for my children more, circling them in prayer everyday.

…be more gentle in every aspect.

…be a better example of Christ.

…be more loving, forgiving, kind and a true woman of God.

I fail (and will likely, without question, continue to fail) every single day, but God sees potential in me and I trust in Him, so today and tomorrow and all of the other tomorrows, I will beseech the throne and continue to try.

Because my children deserve a better mama.

Do you struggle with everyday failures with your children too? If you want, even anonymously, leave a message and share your failures. Group prayers are wonderful things!

In His Grace.

Callie

** This post was linked-up on Big Family Fridays at Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling. **

You can read the other I Fail…..posts here:

I Fail……{Part 2}

I Fail……{Part 3}