When host Sondra Doty's oldest was little, she and her husband started something called "responsibilities before privileges." They wanted their son to understand the importance of hard work and helping and that playtime can be a nice reward. Sounds fair and motivating enough, right? Well, not always. So, in episode 24, Sondra tackles the topic of teaching our little humans responsibility.
When we get a child's response like, "...but Mom!".... or whatever might be the negotiation/resistance to simple requests of responsibility, it can rattle us. But, why are children seemingly surprised at these requests?
Sondra has taken these thoughts to God, praying, "How do I navigate this?...How can I get through to them? How can I move their hearts?" And then God gave her a picture of herself having similar resistance when it came to work and responsibilities... Wait, what? Yep. ... And of course, she was like, "Why me and not my children? They were the ones giving so much pushback-not to mention the long sighs and eyes rolled back."
Me, God?
Yes, you.
Through this process she realized that the same resistance that was in her children's heart was in her heart, too. When she faced various chores on the old homestead or certain work projects, she also grumbled. She did not exactly exhibit a cheerful attitude about laundry, toilets and more. And God is like, "Yep." Talk about a humbling moment, friends. Parenting has a way of humbling us fast. Ca we get and amen?!
We all struggle to do our work-whatever that may be; but Sondra thinks God is trying to teach us through these moments of struggle, lack of desire or resistance. These days, she is more honest with her little humans about this. So, when they ask, "Mom, why do we have to do this?" She's able to empathize and acknowledge that there are times she struggles, too, with responsibility, but she can gain more ears now when she demonstrates a better attitude toward her own work. The outcomes of hard work are worth it. The mountain view, so to speak, is worth the hike.
So, where are you showing resistance to work and responsibilities in your own life? Are you holding your children to a higher standard than yourself? It's OK. These can be hard questions to ask but bring them to God and He will show you the why and the how. Sondra honestly believes when we deal with our own hearts first, our children with (eventually) follow by example. When we catch ourselves with a heart of, "...but, God!..." we know there is work to do in our own hearts.
But, my friends, this is a good work, and it's so rewarding.
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