“You made a mistake!”
Jocelyn takes delight in saying those words to me. For some reason, it strikes her very funny that a grownup can make one.
Many times, she will offer the correction. Other times, just the laughter at my error.
But having heard those words this morning, it made me think a little more deeply.
As role models in the lives of those around us, we need to live out the example for our children to see. In a sense, we are a living display every day. Thus the question becomes,
“What am I displaying?”
And then another question quickly came,
“How do I respond to correction?”
I need correction to reverse a wrong, or repair an error, or make an improvement. But to do so, I need to be willing to hear and apply the directions given.
“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.”
(Proverbs 3:11-12, NLT)
Often His discipline has taken the form of a hard situation, a disappointment, or a frustration, but it has always been for my good. His purpose has always been to bring me to the place of growth in Him. I had to trust His ways, not bent on my own understanding and ways.
As an adult, there are times I can still struggle with correction. And so today I pray for my grandchildren … Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that I will need correction throughout my life. You placed this little one in my life to let me see how often I make mistakes. Help me, and them, to see the importance of Your correction. At those times, may our hearts see our mistake, accept blame, confess our wrong to you, and be willing to correct our ways. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Today I am joining … #Small Wonder and Inspire Me Monday and Sharing His Beauty
Yes, accepting correction and remaining humbly teachable are SO important.
I was recently reminded of this by a friend of mine who is a pastor. He posted a quote on FaceBook which I took issue with…in my usual not-so-subtle manner.
His response was so graceful! He private messaged me, clarifying his intent and asking what caused me to see it differently. I explained the issue with the quote absent clarifying context. He graciously thanked me and said he now realizes he needs to make adjustments to a class he is teaching.
I wound up thinking “Wow! Such humility and teachableness! I wonder how well I would have handled a similar situation.”
It’s amazing how much a humble and gentle response will teach us. Thank you for sharing that story. May I respond as graciously if ever in that situation. Have a blessed week!
Beautifully thoughtful and insightful post.
I have the privilege of having my precious granddaughter, daughter and son-in-law live with me and my husband. Your words are a good reminder that “little eyes are always watching”.
Your comment, “Often His discipline has taken the form of a hard situation, a disappointment, or a frustration”. I never thought about any of these as being part of God’s discipline until now, but it is indeed true.
So glad I stopped by to read this edifying post. Thanks for sharing!
Karen, I am so glad you stopped and shared. It is indeed a privilege to have family under the same roof. Your family will never forget these days!
God will use varied times in our lives to discipline and change us. I’m grateful for even the simpler forms of discipline which bring change in my life.
May you have a blessed week!