Titus 2:4 - Have you read this?

"In this way they (older women) will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children ..."

Recently, God allowed an older woman at church to live out this verse for my benefit and it has been HUGE in helping me to discipline Sophie. Let me explain.

Several weeks ago, I was talking with an amazing older lady at church named Ms. Susie. Ms. Susie just so happens to be Sophie's Sunday School teacher, and in our high and mighty opinion, the BEST Sunday School teacher in the whole world.

Anyway, Ms. Susie was asking me about how Sophie was doing (at school, etc.) and I proceeded to launch into a mini-tirade about how my daughter was driving me crazy (I love that line) by not listening and obeying. I can only imagine God looking down from heaven and thinking, "Poor child. Maybe she needs a little encouragement today," and blessing me with wisdom through Ms. Susie. Here's what she said: you have to discipline them IMMEDIATELY. Not later. Not when Daddy comes home. Not when you feel like it. NOW. Even if it means pulling the car over off of the road, you do it pronto. So, being at my wit's end and with nothing to lose, I tried it. And thank you, Jesus, it worked!

I never thought I would have a problem disciplining my child, but it's WAY harder than I thought. For one thing, I don't like it. I don't like being the bad guy, but since I don't want Sophie to be referred to as "Damien" behind her back, I guess I'll keep at it. #2: It stinks. It involves tears, sometimes spankings, and losing privileges, and I would prefer to keep things stable. I know. Not going to happen. And #3. Who enjoys punishing their beautiful, sweet, child? Not me. But since I'm pretty sure there is a verse in the Bible about sparing the rod, spoiling the child, I'll keep on keeping on.

Well, it has been about 6 weeks, and things are soooo much better at home. Don't get me wrong. I still have a head-strong 5-year old who only wants her way (who doesn't?), but the fact is now she LISTENS to what I'm saying and OBEYS. Some days are better than others, but considering where we were at the beginning of the year, these past several weeks have been P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S. I am enjoying spending time with Sophie more because I'm not having to be on her all the time, and I am actually looking forward to Spring Break next week when she will be home (last year, I dreaded it and couldn't wait for the week to be over).

The moral of this story is LISTEN to your elders. They may just know what they are talking about and Jesus may be setting you up for a WOO HOO moment and you don't even know it. Yet...