Typically the words “kids” and “rest” do not go in the same sentence. They seem to oppose one another. But let’s be honest, how many moms say they could use more rest? Both physical and mental rest are wonderful things. So how, you ask, do my kids help me rest?
Well, there is a verse that tells us our children can give us rest, but like all verses about our children, it comes back to our parenting.
“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Proverbs 29:17
It’s quite a simple command, isn’t it? If we correct our children, they will give us rest and delight. I’ve read this verse before, but this time it really jumped out at me. Day in and day out, correcting our children can be wearing on us. At a very young age children learn when they can get away with something. Many days I just want to look the other way out of exhaustion or frustration.
It starts out as a small thing that we let slip by, but it can quickly escalate. I know, I’ve been there! In our family, I’m the push-over parent. You see, I’m a big softy for my kiddos, and quick to let things go. Thankfully, my hubby is fabulous at consistently correcting and disciplining. Over the years he has really helped me to “stick to it” and not let the children get away with things without correcting them.
What happens if we don’t correct our children? Well, let’s look back two verses.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Proverbs 29:15
Our children will shame us if we let them get away with it. Just “looking the other way” when our children need disciplining will come back to get us. By not disciplining them, we are leaving them to themselves. Their lack of wisdom and maturity will cause them to stumble. We need to be there to show them how to obey. We can’t expect them to know right from wrong if we don’t teach them. And we can’t expect them to make the right decisions if we don’t correct and discipline.
The next time you think about letting your child’s disobedience go uncorrected, decide if you want to be the mother that is shamed, or the one that is given rest and delight.
Wow! Great post!!!!! When I saw the title on The Better Mom, I thought – I need to see how this lady thinks a mom with kids gets ANY rest!!! haha!!! But, there is a wealth of truth in this post. Thank you for reminding me to not just look the other way – but to invest NOW.
Blessings from Zagreb – A Little R & R http://jukiczr.blogspot.com
Glad you liked the post. It’s so much easier to just let things slide, and I have to keep telling myself it really is worth my time and energy. Thanks for the comment!
I don’t think I had ever paid attention to that verse before, or at least had never read it in this way. Right now, I am in the trenches with little ones constantly pushing their limits, and it’s so easy to look away. But you are right; it will catch up to me if I do. I will not receive the rest and delight mentioned in the Bible unless I correct them when they are disobedient.
Great post! Thanks for opening up my eyes to something new.
I’m so glad this post was helpful for you! I understand how difficult the little ones can be- I’ve got a toddler right now that pushes her limits at every moment (or so it feels!). Thanks for the comment.