Battleground

I'm probably famous for saying, "Is this the hill I'm gonna die on?" when it comes to dealing with the boys (or even difficult people) during conflict.  Some behaviors can be attributed to tiredness, illness, or even over-stimulus.  Sometimes it truly is easier to let something slide if it's not a character issue.  IF it's not a character issue.

Character.  Oh so important character.  The Fruits of the Spirit.  The choice to live like Jesus.  The lessons I find most important to instill into our sons that they might grow to men of principle, men of integrity, men of God.  It's the greatest burden we have as parents...teaching character.  Specifically the character of God...teaching them to be men who emulate Jesus.  Far beyond mathematics, science or English.  Any man can be smart but not every man will have character.

I looked today into the hostile eyes of my son, daring me to fight him.  Breathe in, breathe out.  Is this a hill I should die on or is there a greater battle lurking?  The scheduler in me wants to battle on - get the lesson done.  The pride in me wants to battle on - demand the respect I deserve as a parent.  Thankfully, the gracious Holy Spirit whispers to me..."character."  Books are closed.  Angry feet stomp to a bedroom after being instructed to go and take a moment to think about actions.

It's time to breathe.  To collect myself.  Soon I will go to the bedroom and quietly talk about respect, kindness, work ethic and the importance of self-control.  Far more precious this time spent...battling for this child's soul.   Prayers go up for the right words, for a tender heart, for this boy who is struggling so hard right now in this phase of life...Lord, give us strength to do what is right.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12