Great Day

For my first post I will be glad to report a beautiful day. The promise of rain is hanging in the dry air. Hope is blossoming and growing in my heart. Relationships are healing, and I am learning.
Teaching my kids math and science is fun and easy; it's the simple habits of respect and politeness that challenge the home-teacher. Surely they challenge all mothers. Red flags go up when we see our little ones respond and react in the same negative, emotional manner as their mother. But God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline(2Tim 1:7). So where is it? Not always easy to find that last one there! Sure, as mom we show our power all day long, but do we discipline ourselves to use it properly? And of course we love our children, but do they feel loved even when being corrected? Ah, it's the self-discipline that's key to the success of the first two God given gifts.
Today, I found it. Yes it took a whole week's worth of prayer, but I found it. Rather, it was given me. DD and I were having a moment about proper paper position. It was a power struggle. Past days I have reacted emotionally, as she did today. But for me, it was different today. I took her by the hand and we stormed into another room. Then something happened, and I did not react emotionally to her opposition of my power. I think the Holy Spirit took over. I spoke gently, and gave her a firm boundary. I stated the consequence for crossing said boundary, and we hugged. Her tears did not anger me, and we went back to work, successfully.
I cannot express how relieving this was. I truly believe it was because I have finally given my personal shortcomings to The Lord, and he is making the changes I was previously unable to make in my life. He has a lot more work to do, because I have made a mess of things!