When It Gets Rewarding

I've often been inspired by blog posts and heard stories from parents about magical moments they have with their kids. The kind of moments I'm talking of involve the child displaying an attribute that is rewarding for their parents to witness, (who have worked SO hard to shape and mold their child -- just praying that they will one day begin to burst forth and exhibit the fruits of their labor).

This afternoon was a special moment like that for me in my world of parenting. So many days I feel like I am running a marathon with the boys and getting no where. I want to remember this one in the months and years to come.

Earlier this morning T was not enjoying the particular direction I was giving him and in response he yelled at me.

Most of the time, I get instantly frustrated in a situation like that and send him to time out for being so disrespectful. This morning, he must have caught me at a good moment, all I did was stop what I was doing and look at him sadly, and simply said, "I don't like the way you are talking to me. You are not being kind with your words." He looked surprised and said that he was sorry. For me, at that moment, I knew that he realized he had over stepped his boundaries verbally and his remorse was enough for me to move on and let it be.

Several hours later, the boys were playing in the backyard and I was sitting on the patio. T came up to me and sat in my lap. He looked up at my face and said, "Momma, I am so sorry for talking mean to you."

Although he's 3 almost 4, his sincere apology was spoken with the maturity beyond the capability of many adults. Unprompted, (which is what they usually are with a 2 and 3 year old), and completely heart-felt.

At that moment I realized that this is when it gets rewarding.

Thank you, Lord!! :)