Chapter five of Loving the Little Years was specifically geared towards our little girls and teaching them how to rule their passions. As a mother of 3 little girls, I appreciate the thoughts that she shared. They are applicable for boys as well. For boys and girls alike have passions and emotions that need to be reigned in.
The author has used a great word picture that she uses with her girls. She has told them that their emotions are like spirited horses and they are the riders. They have to learn how to be skilled riders.
“The goal is not to cripple the horse, but equip the rider. A well-controlled passionate personality is a powerful thing…But a passionate personality that is unbridled can cause a world of damage.
The lesson that I came away with from this short chapter is the reminder that I need to seek to guide my children through gentle instruction and training. Oftentimes I assume that they should know how to control these passions that rise up inside them, but how will they know if I do not lovingly show them? Instead of just telling my girls that their behavior is wrong, I need to seek to give them the tools to guide those feelings that are rising up.
Which brings up a final thought today…
If I am to be my girls riding instructor then I better know how to ride my own emotions. This is a good word for me today. Am I reigning in the passions of my heart for the glory of God? May it be so.
Are you joining me in reading this little gem? If so, please leave me a comment and tell me what you have learned or ways you have been challenged? I love to hear your lovely thoughts.
Would you like to jump in and join us? CBD is offering the book on sale right now…
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Loving the Little Years |