Today is our first day of the new school year. I've been planning (off and on,....okay, mostly off) for a couple of months how I wanted this year to "look" and what goals I felt needed to be prioritized.
So after chores and breakfast, we started our day with Bible reading, choosing a scripture to memorize, discussion and prayer.
Or at least, that was the PLAN. One of MY main goals for this year was in the area of, shall we say, "interpersonal relationship between brother and sister." This is a constant in our home, and I often feel we take "2 steps forward, 1 step back" when it comes to getting along and honoring one another. But today was going to be different. So I asked Gameboy what he would like his SISTER to pray for HIM about. And then I asked Barngirl what she would like her BROTHER to pray for HER about. They both chose wisely. It wasn't exactly brain surgery, since they hear me mention it EVERY DAY.
So we get together to pray, and I sadly have to insist that they hold hands (!). During the prayer time, Gameboy screams, "She's squeezing my fingers too hard!" and wails in full-tear-mode. She says she's not, and to quit being so sensitive! So both get sent to their rooms before I get my hands on any blunt instruments.
Not an ideal beginning.
For the record, she was supposed to pray for him that he would not be so easily offended, and he was supposed to pray for her that she would treat him kindly.
We worked it out (somewhat) later, but this is going to be one long haul. However, it gave me an opportunity to explain how we have an enemy who hates our family and wants to cause strife, so we must be on the right track.
And tomorrow, Scarlet, is another day.....
Aug. 5, 2008 - LOL!
I laugh because that sounds like the sort of things that happen in my house! LOL!! I have an almost 8 yr old, and a gonna be 5 on Tues! I also live in SC! I just happen to be randomly picking blogs on the member list, and came across you. You are hilarious! May I add you as a friend? I'll definately be dropping by often! Have a great day!
Aug. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
I know this doesn't help, but do you know how refreshing it is to hear that someone else also has to deal with this on a daily basis!!?!
It may not be easy, but it's worth it!! I force mine to hold hands as well! (They're both boys!!)
Thanks for sharing,
Robyn
Aug. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
I'm afraid we gave up the hand holding during prayer because of just what you described. When you find the solution that cures sibling strife PLEASE, won't you share it with me? :-)
Aug. 7, 2008 - i hear ya!
i will not laugh at you, but with you!. often after my days of playing "REF", i have nothing else left to give. i have 10yr. BOY...so thats a mouth full right there, then add a little 7 yr. GIRL, in the pot..and if that isn't enough...the icing is our almost 3 yr. old GIRL. i have been reading a book-"making brother and sister best friend" it has some great insite. and ITS FOR THEM! so i can read,and we can discuss, and pray about what we have read. and....i came here because of your name~sockmonkey! i had one of those growing up, it was my favorite! come see me some time! ~selina
Aug. 8, 2008 - Too true
I feel that most of my days are spent discussing "using nice words" and "respecting each other". And don't forget "making good choices". This biblical parenting thing isn't easy, but my eyes are on the distant future when the kids will all sit around and remember the good old days. We just have to make it that far... :-)
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