Four is Fun

I love this boy!! It is just so much fun to have a 4 year old. He talks non-stop and asks way to many questions, but to hear his curiosity and his crazy imagination is so much fun!! Almost every time I ask him to do something, it is responded with "why?". This drives me crazy, but I'm trying to patiently reminded him to obey right away and then ask why. I realized he really wants to know, most of the time it's not just a stall tactic. With this questioning, I've also reminded that he has a sensitive heart. Many times, I've reacted with impatience and angrily sent him away. When he's done with time out, or completed his task, he returns to me telling me "You scared me."

Now, this does several things to my heart. First it makes me sad, I can see that my over action hurt his feelings and realize that he doesn't need my strong reaction to obey. Second, I am reminded that a little bit of fear for the parent is necessary and a good thing. I am also realizing that he has a sweet sensitivity that can also be a blessing. Hopefully he will be sensitive to our teaching and we will get to avoid major issues. Hopefully, it's a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a calling to repentance and a desire to follow the Lord.

I'm reading a book called "Give Them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica. The purpose of the book is to teach parents to guide their kids in all they do to see how the Gospel affects all parts of our life. Everything we do leads back to Christ's death and forgiveness of our sins. It's convicting. I want to parent in this way. Now that Thomas is 4, I can have more conversations with him. I want to take advantage of his sensitive heart and disobedience and use it as an opportunity to share the gospel with him.

Raising kids is such a blessing from the Lord!! He molds us through it, both the mistakes and the blessings. Hopefully we will be able to do it in light of the gospel and I pray that the Lord will help and allow Thomas to understand!!

Well, this post turned out to be more on the serious matters of my heart for my oldest son. I'll have to share soon on his silliness and imagination.