The patience it takes to be a parent...

...I know, you parents out there are laughing. This title is a gross understatement

Growing up, I thought "diligence" only applied to sports and school, 

but now I believe diligence in sports and school was to 

prepare me for diligence in parenting.

Example: Jackson, for the longest time, would throw food during dinner. Whenever he would do this, Rachel or I would stop eating dinner, take him out of his highchair, wash him off, and go put him in the crib for timeout. I remember laughing with Rachel one night after one of Jackson's throwing episodes, because it seemed like it was more work for us to discipline Jackson than it was punishment for him... Yet, we were diligent for the next few months and finally, Jackson is not throwing food from his tray.

Another example of taking time, exercising patience and disciplining, was today after Jackson and I were laughing really hard together and I was tickling him throwing him on the couch. We were both all riled up and then it was time to get ready for bed. Jackson did not want to get ready for bed, and I felt entitled to his obedience because I had just spent fun time with him.
I don't know if I am ever entitled to his obedience to my commands, but I was reminded tonight of the necessity for patience while raising and disciplining children. I have to exercise great patience with myself and with him when it is time to clean up toys and he does not want to. I caught myself because I wanted to spank him immediately. I withheld myself, and stroked his arm softly and explained to him what we needed to do in loving tones. He did not help me clean up like I expected, but he was slightly more compliant. I felt more at peace rather than anger and I was grateful that there was something inside me that stopped the desire to spank him and helped me try to get myself level again and help him clean up.

It's with slight insecurity that I say this next comment, but I hope this blog is even worth it?  I hope to share the experiences I am going through in hopes that I can help someone out there who is going through similar experiences.  I also hope you post comments because you never know that what you say may have a positive impact on another's life!

I am grateful for this experience and grateful for the patience that my Heavenly Father has towards me. I am not always obedient and He is constantly patient with me.  His love has he helped me learn and grow in the way that I need to learn and grow.

Sincerely, Dr. Mike