This Day in History: 0000-10-15

October 15 – Proverbs 3: 11-12

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

I remember when my first precious miracle was about 18 months old and I realized for the first time that she was turning into a terrorist.  She did what she wanted and when she didn’t get her way she threw an epic tantrum.  Every time.  Even worse,  I realized it was totally my fault!  I had become a lazy mother.

It was easier to give in to her demands than it was to take the time to train her to behave like a considerate human being.  But, that precious little girl was the delight of my life, and the second I realized what I had done, I immediately wanted to change.  I wanted my daughter, the pride of my heart, to bless everyone around her as much as she blessed me.

So, what did I do?  I resolved to be more intentional in my parenting.  I decided I would set boundaries and consequences and I would be consistent.  The next year was a tough parenting year.  There were so many times I wanted to give up and give in to her.  But, I loved her too much!  I kept my eyes on the prize and I kept up the hard work.

I’m not saying I got it right every time… not even close.  But I tried my very best, and in this particular case my extreme stubbornness came in handy. Today I have an adult daughter who brings joy to every person she meets.  She is truly a delight!

Why would we ever expect anything less from our Abba Father?

If we, as flawed human parents understand the importance of discipline in the lives of our children, if we get that it is an act of love, how much more our perfect Heavenly Father!  So, why do we so often feel like His discipline is out of anger rather than love?  Why are we so tempted to reject His correction rather than learn from it and allow it to spur our growth?

Where are you sensing His guiding hand in your life today?  Let’s be quick to learn from it, to allow it to shape us, and change us.  Let’s rejoice that we are children of God, and that He cares enough to invest in us and train us for righteousness!  Thank Him today for His discipline, friends.  It is the proof that He delights in you!