I love my children (ages 4 and 2). I enjoy watching them learn how to communicate. I like how Jack pronounces the words “Mississippi” (or Mizippi) and “hamburger” (or hamgabah). I enjoy when he looks at me with a serious expression and says, “I need a nap. I haven’t slept for 100 years!”
Katie is also learning how to express herself and is quickly learning that her, “yes” needs to mean yes, and her “no” needs to mean no. For example, the other night I asked her if she wanted chicken nuggets for dinner. She said no, so I proceeded to prepare her spaghetti (which is one of her favorites).
WELL…
Katie loudly protested to the spaghetti on her plate and started crying out, “chickie, chickie!” It is clear that Katie’s, “no” actually means yes, and her “yes” actually means no.
I now have a new appreciation for the following verse:
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
~ James 5:12 ESV
My sweet Katie is ending up frustrated and angry all because her, “yes” isn’t a yes. Unfortunately, I end up confused and frustrated to. By the end of the day, I want to put her and myself in timeout.
This stress would cease if her, “yes” simply meant yes and her “no” actually meant no.
We adults struggle with expressing ourselves too, don’t we? Letting our “yes” mean yes and our “no” mean no, sounds simple. But we struggle with doing so due to fear, guilt, or the “need to please.”
Perhaps some of the stress of our current season is resulting from this very thing. By not meaning what we say, we end up frustrated and angry, with others around us feeling the same way towards us.
Answer slowly, for our response to a question is powerful.
Our Heavenly Father is listening intently to the responses that we give. May our answers bring Him honor and glory…
or we may find ourselves staring at “spaghetti” instead of “chickie.”
Aren’t sure what to say? Then remember to pray before you “say.”
Holy Spirit, guard our tongues. Quiet our minds to hear Your direction and Your wisdom as we go about our days. We need You to help us say what we mean. Forgive us for when we let our words mislead. If there is a strained relationship in our life because of this very issue, bring it to mind. Show us how to heal and mend it. We desire to glorify You with our mouths, Father God. We thank You for Your Word and how it guides and challenges us. We love You. Amen.
Amen! We must make our yes, yes and our no, no.
Amen Sister!! Especially when we are answering to God!! Honor and glorify. Glorify and honor!
Oh Tracy, I need to practice this better. I don’t end up with spaghetti instead of chicken nuggets, but for me it looks like yes, I’ll: volunteer, offer my time when I don’t have any extra to spare, etc…
I’ve been placing up better boundaries than I have in the past and am coming to grips I need to detach myself from people’s expectations of me and just focus on what God wants me to say yes (or no) to.
Your kids are awesome. I wish we didn’t live states away because they would be so much fun to hang out with. 🙂
“We need YOU to help us say what we mean”… Amen to that Tracy! These “little people” teach us so much every day. ~Love out, Amy
Yes, when I try on my own I fail. I need the Lord to help me in this area- I don’t want anymore “spaghetti”… thanks for your comment Amy!
Thanks for reading Jenifer and I second your amen 🙂
Donna- so thankful for this reminder that my words are another way to honor and glorify God! Motherhood is teaching me LOTS 🙂
Erin-I wish we lived closer too! My little ones would think your children “hung the moon!” And Grace is welcome to babysit anytime :). I like the point you made about “detaching” ourselves from others’ expectations. It is so hard- especially in ministry. Praying for God to give you strength and wisdom as you continue to serve Him. Thankful for you!
Adorable children! Love the story. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you Jackie! Jack and Katie keep me on my toes- it is never dull or quiet around our house 🙂 Blessings to you and your family as well!
Answer slowly and prayerfully, this is one I struggle with too. Great reminder
Thank you Eileen- it is hard to answer slowly because the pace of our world is getting faster and faster it seems… but if we truly wait on the Lord, we know our answer will always be the correct one. Blessing sister