Tennis Shoes and Self Control

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. –Proverbs 16:32

 “Stay calm. Don’t freak out. Breathe in. Breathe out.” These are words I often say in my head when I am working with one of my kids in the middle of their breakdown. Sometimes I will say these words to myself more than once a day.

Last year, Analiah had bike day at preschool. She came out in her flips flops when we were ready to leave. I asked her to go change and put on her tennis shoes. You can imagine what happened next.

As Analiah yelled “I don’t want to wear tennis shoes!” and threw herself on the floor, I wondered what just happened. At that moment, I wanted to yell and throw myself on the floor too. Instead, I made a choice to stay calm.

This is not an easy task. But, I will not let my children’s reaction dictate how I react. I am the adult and the one who models to my kids. I need to have self-control even when others around me do not have it.

In today’s key verse Proverbs 16:32, we read “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” The bible tells us it is better to be patient and self-controlled than to be a warrior who takes a city. It seems like a warrior would receive greater honor. But, God is making it very clear that the reward is greater for those who are patient and have self-control.

As a Mom of four kids, I have many, many opportunities to practice self-control. On my own strength, I will react to my kids. I have blown it many times. But, this doesn’t stop me from trying again. Daily and sometimes throughout the day, I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me to let His strength dictate how I react to my kids when they lose their self-control.

How about you? Do you let your kid’s reactions dictate how you react? Or maybe it’s a co-worker that gets under your skin and ruins your day. Ask the Holy Spirit for help each day. You will grow in your patience and self-control as you lean into God.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of patience and self-control. They are Fruit of the Spirit that I want to live out in my life. Please help me to lean into You and not let others reactions cause me to react in an unhealthy way. Help me to be more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.