God ordained parents to lead their families. I share this duty with my wife. However, I certainly feel I have more responsibility to make good decisions, and to help my family avoid pain and failures.
Today, I failed because I got angry. I did not yell or curse. That is always possible; instead I lectured my spouse about wanting too many material things. I did this in the presence of my daughter.
I needed to say something, but I know that Jesus would have wanted me to do it in a more loving, appropriate way. Of course, I was man enough to apologize to my spouse and our daughter.
In penance I began to read artciles on Faithwriters. Donna Robinson, one of my favorite authors, had an article from two months back concerning "ANGER". I wrote her back that her two-month old article went directly to my heart.
Her simple, direct and miraculous article spoke of Jesus ministering through Faithwriters, and miracles that He worked in Donna when she was a precocious 9-year old.
I was as proud of 9-year old Donna as I was ashamed of myself today. At age nine Donna had made a simply profound observation: Anger made one feel bad afterwards and "I did not like the feeling."
Now Donna shared with me: If you eliminate something in your life, you will replace it with something else. She replaced her anger with joy. I hope I can do the same, and more. Every bad habit I destroy, every angry word I do NOT say, is a miracle and testimony of my Faith. I can help Jesus minister every second of the day by bearing rich testimony like Donna's.
I am glad I was angry today because my sadness led me down Donna's path to wisdom, albeit two months late, and more than a generation later in time. Thank you Donna; Praise God.
If a nine-year old can share wisdom, the child is indeed the parent and teacher of man! I am humbled and will strive to be a better leader.
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Oh, I know God blesses that kind of humility. THAT is why God uses you to teach other men... because humility is the kind of example men of today need to see and put into practice. It takes a "real man" to be purposefully humble. I too find that FaithWriters is a place I can go where the Lord ministers to me at the point of my needs. Bless you!
