The Wise Woman Enjoys Part OneНамуна

A Peaceful Home

By Mari Jo Mast

Since summer is here and school is out, your children have more free time. So I’m wondering if you’re dealing with more sibling rivalry and behavior issues? This happens in my home.

As a younger mom, I often expected a great deal of perfection from my kids. I regret it now because I realize my unrealistic standards and high ideals kept me from loving them well. It actually caused more strife.

Sometimes, when we think our children need more rules, they really need to be shown the way.  How we parent plays a big role; we can either lead them to or away from Jesus. He alone can change a child’s sinful heart, and more rules can never do that. Although we must set guidelines, they should only serve and exist because of the greater law of love. In our own lives, we know God’s loving kindness helps us repent and live better. We can pass this on to our children.

Moms, don’t sweat the small stuff! When we become overwhelmed and desperate, we tend to do crazy things we regret later. When a “strife” moment happens, we can choose the high road (1 Corinthians 13). How we as moms handle strife can either heighten it or help diminish it. We can’t eradicate it from our lives completely, but God can show us how to usher in an atmosphere of peace instead of more conflict.

Please know this season of motherhood is short! Now my children are older, and I know this is true.  A glimmer of light beams at the end of the tunnel, and it brightens with time. Before you know it, your little babies will be all grown-up, and your nest will be empty! Give yourself permission to enjoy them while you still can. Live with no regrets. Don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake; remember, it’s never too late to start over.

Below, I’ve listed a few practical steps from God’s Word to help you navigate through times of strife. Though God’s ways don’t always make sense to our natural mind, without a doubt, we can trust His Word. His wisdom supersedes our own by a long stretch!

Above all, remember God’s faithfulness covers even your worst failures!

What's Next?

Would you like some new ideas to help make your home more peaceful? Click here for "Six Steps to Enjoy a More Peaceful Home."