RETraining

This is really just a note to self. Self- don't do it. It's not worth it.

I tend to forget things too quickly. This is why it is still difficult to raise children after already jumping many of the same hurdles. . . three times. (that, and they are all different so you never really get a system down pat!)

I'm also realizing that God is gracious to me in both letting me learn some things the hard way and then also giving me enough faith to sometimes not have to learn them that way. This is one lesson I learned the hard way, after not accepting the way my conscience (and the Spirit) led. I'm posting so that you all can remind me; therefore I (we) should not have to suffer the ill effects of this again.

My lesson was this: it is unwise to allow your children to spend largish amounts of time with other children whom you (the parent= me) do not really care to be around. Okay, that's a little harsh. It's not that there are a lot of children that I don't enjoy being around. In fact, I pretty much enjoy ALL children. The real issue here is that I really only want my children spending chunks of time with other children that if they chose to emulate them, I would appreciate it.

Hmmm. I think my pregnant brain is operating in fuzzy mode. What I'm trying to say is this (one more shot and I'm out!): If I don't want my children to act like other children, then I should wisely limit the amount of time that they spend together. (Was that clear?!)

My children, at 5, 3, and 2 (!) are still so impressionable. They pick up attitudes, words, gestures, and ways of relating to others. Because I believe that these years are SO critical for moral and spiritual formation, I am called to be choosy on their behalf. That is why we don't use a tv in our home. That is why my kids are not in preschool. That is why we memorize Scripture and read books with valuable moral lessons (and leave other books at the library for other children!). This is not me saying what a great job I'm doing- because I haven't been doing such a great job. I've chosen some free times for myself where my children were NOT in ideal company. Thank God that He uses my imperfections and others! My children will not ever be ideal (ha! what an idea!), and yet I want to care for them as my most precious gift and as my utmost responsibility. When I act in foolish ways, the repercussions fall out through our whole family.

It's not worth it. It takes hours and days and weeks of retraining. And though there is value in that process, it's hard work! I would rather work hard on other things than retraining.