"right away, all the way, with a joyful heart"

This is a popular adage at our church among parents with young children. It is used to teach them what it means to obey. They are taught to obey right away, all the way, and with a joyful heart. The first time I heard this, I wondered what was going on at this church and if people here were crazy. Especially nowadays, having obedient children is like losing weight and keeping it off after giving birth to a baby. It is a highly-prized, but rare commodity indeed. For most, like me, it just ain't gonna happen.

As William is quickly growing and maturing I know our days of disciplining are not far off. And to be honest, thinking about training him up in the Lord can be overwhelming as it is no small undertaking. I know my tendency will be to follow my Asian roots (and my own sin struggle with anger) and discipline as an authoritarian taskmaster. Disciplining in love, gentleness, and tenderness are not part of that equation. Not to mention the fact that even if I didn't have those things working against me, I know I will still fail in this many times... I do, after all, still have my sin nature. So that's me...

And what about William? How on earth am I going to get William to obey right away, all the way, and with a joyful heart? That last criterion is such a clincher, isn't it? I mean, by sheer force, I could probably get William to obey right away and all the way, but it sure wouldn't be with a joyful heart. This is what I've partially figured out... The joyful heart is key in this equation. The joyful heart won't come without disciplining in love, tenderness, and affection. Without the joyful heart, William would grow to resent me. William should know my affections for him even in the midst of discipline. Teaching children to obey according to this adage is a high standard, but I realized it's also the standard of obedience that God calls all of his children to, regardless of age. This isn't just a standard for William to obey. It's a standard that daddy and mommy are called to, as well. God expects me to obey right away, all the way, and with a joyful heart. And as many times as I fail to obey God, and He forgives me (and has forgiven me of so much more!), the same must hold true for William. I am to mirror the Gospel in my interactions with him. And knowing how much I fail to meet God's standards will help me show grace to William when he doesn't do what is expected of him.

I also think it will be important to remember that when William disobeys, He is not just disobeying us. C'mon, I mean, who cares about us? =) He is disobeying God, most importantly. And likewise, God is the one who will help him obey, not us. We don't do anything, except try to be faithful. (Is that all?) =) So it helps to remember that when there is disobedience, it is against God first and foremost. Now if only I could remember that in my own personal life! Thank the Lord for God's grace in all this and His power to change us all. It's the only way there can be true growth. And the neat thing is that He's not just working in William's heart through all this, He is refining Bill's heart and my heart as well. But I also thank the Lord for a husband who excels in patience and gentleness. He is exactly what I need to act as a sounding board for when I am struggling. And I am truly grateful for his leadership and care in teaching me about the fine virtues of patience and gentleness.

Just some thoughts I've been having about being a mom... what a breathtaking and sobering privilege to steward a soul for the Lord. God, help me to be humble and faithful.

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15