November 4th

This is my spot for personal reflection. It won't always be exciting. My life is pretty dull actually.  If you are looking for something exciting please check my tabs (above). This section is my journal, boring and raw as it is. It might not be what you're expecting, but I'm unashamed.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
~Unknown

I spent today catching up on reviews and breaking up fights. My kids are always fighting. The thing is, I have no reference for sibling relationships or how to fix them. I'm an only child. I just don't get it. They have a built in play mate. All they have to do is go play.

I'm currently reading a book that references sibling relationships and the intimacy, influence and effects of this type of relationship. It's fascinating to me. It seems that (with proper boundaries) this should be one of the best relationships a person can have. There is a vulnerability, a complete knowing that exists in this relationship that can't be found in any other. You share a family, a history, a home, a bedroom, and sometimes even clothes.

I want my children to get along, to find comfort in each other, to be kind and generous to each other and to have each other's backs. I want this, but I have no clue how to teach it.

We have decided to drop traditional schooling for a time and focus on character. Of course I can't help myself and still sneak in writing, math and history whenever possible. Character is the issue in my home though.

My kids are incredible at math. They have a standard respect for history and are average when it comes to writing. Character, however, is too frequently deficient here.

The thing is  . . .character is a subject that doesn't stop on the weekend. It's an ongoing lesson. An exhausting, mentally draining and repetitious battle to teach.

Lord, help me succeed here. If math comprehension dissolves, history becomes a list of faded facts, and writing never occurs help me to have fostered caring and compassionate children full of character and unwavering in their devotion to you.

Amen.