My morning devotion from Bob Gass ministries realllllllllllly struck a cord in my spirit this morning! Let me quote a few sentences:
“Angry outbursts are destructive in all relationships, especially in your home.” (This would hold true on your football team, too!) “Children are the most vulnerable to parental anger, and they mirror their parents’ behavior. We shape our children’s destiny by our words, behaviors and attitudes, and if they’re raised in a home that’s consistently high-volume, they’ll react similarly. Your actions are training your children to be hysterical and violent. Soon everyone will be overreacting, flying into fits of rage, and attacking one another. When you exhibit tantrum-like behavior you’re actiong out of a selfish need to get what you want, when you want it, in the way you think you ought to have it. Please—for your family’s sake— start acting like an adult; exhibit self-control!”
Wow! That was a smack in the face for me. I was referred to the passage in the Book of James as a strong reminder of the best way to interact with children (and people in general): “My dear brothers, take note… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1: 19-20. NIV.
