Many years ago Peter and I went to a short marriage seminar.  We came away with one quote that impacted our marriage from then on.  We never really talked about it we just both know that our marriage took a turn for better.  The speakers encouraged us to consider why we were in an argument – was it to be right (undoubtedly!!) or was it for the betterment of the relationship (very rarely!!). 

Today I am going to ask the same when I interact with my children.  Am I just sticking to the law (after all I am the parent!) or am I in this dialogue with my children for their sakes.  What is my attitude?

I have often reflected on the verse in James 1:19, “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” but that is only half the verse. The first part says, “Let every man (mother) be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” and then it goes on “for the wrath of man (mother) does not produce the righteousness of God.” 

Do my children listen keenly to my instruction or do they tune me out?  God has given me these children to train up in his ways.  Even though we want to be an authority in our children’s lives, it will always be relationship that motivates a child to listen and take notice of our words.   Love and respect go hand in hand.  We have to be worthy of the position of Mummy in their little lives.  Yes, God gives us the position but we need to build the respect so that when we speak into their lives and have them listen.