Monday, December 16, 2013

A bad day turned out nice at the end

Today we learned Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Ethan and Noah didn't realize that words can hurt more than physical wounds.  Foolish words can be meaningless and yet hurt others.  

There's an application for the verse from the lesson - I gave each boys 2 band-aids, each labeled "healing words".  When they see someone who's hurt, sad, angry, or discouraged, they can bring out the band-aid, say some words of encouragement, and put the band-aid on their heart. 


Throughout the day, I'd say they had many opportunities to use those band-aids - on mommy.  They were pretty bad throughout the morning, very disobedient and chaotic.  At one point, I had to scream on top of my lungs to keep them quiet.  I was being an angry mom.  Later on, I had to apologize to the kids for screaming at them.  It wasn't the right thing to do even when they weren't good.  The boys were very forgiving.  


Tonight , Ethan made Noah angry by turning off the bathroom light while Noah was still inside brushing his teeth.  I was surprised to hear Noah saying to Ethan, "it wasn't very nice to do that, I didn't like that".  He didn't say it in an angry tone, and after Ethan apologized to Noah, I praised Noah for using his words and not fighting.  Noah then ran to his room and grabbed his healing words band-aid to give to Ethan!  Ethan said he didn't need it and put it back.  Even though Ethan should be the one to give the band-aid, I was glad Noah remembered the lesson and tried to apply it.  It was a sweet ending to a bitter day!




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