One day, about seven months ago, I had a really bad attitude. I was unhappy over some circumstances, and Tim kindly admonished me to respond in a better way. Well, rather than listening to rebuke like a wise person, I acted foolishly and produced a fake cheerfulness that was somehow supposed to punish him (I wasn't thinking very logically at this point). I kept it up for several hours until God granted me repentance and I apologized and made things right.

The interesting thing about this little episode was that the children somehow picked up on my sickly-sweet demeanor (although they must have missed the sarcasm) and became ultra-polite, cheerful little angels. Over the months, I've noticed that whenever I try to speak to them in a pleasant, cheerful way, they tend to respond with cheerful obedience. Not 100% of course, but it seems to motivate them very well. Not to mention that it's what God desires my communication to be like.

So last week I was pondering this, and I thought, "Why don't I always speak that way? Why can't I just rid myself of that annoyed, what-are-you-bothering-me-with-now tone of voice that I adopt when I'm busy or stressed? I think I'll make a concerted effort to ALWAYS speak pleasantly." I didn't mean that in the middle of disciplining a child I'd be smiling, but I would still not be harsh or angry or frustrated. I thought it would take me a day or so to get into the habit.

Oh my word, I am SO bad at this! I catch myself constantly speaking in a way that is neither cheerful nor pleasant--and who knows how often I do it and don't catch myself? I think if I get this mastered than I will be a long way towards dying to myself...it is so hard to disregard your emotions and speak in a kindly way when you're being interrupted from a task for the twentieth time by someone who really had no good reason for needing your attention right then anyway. But God gives grace for such times, and I know He will help.