A Lesson Learned: Bad Habits
I haven’t been able to fall asleep easily lately and my mind tends to wander in those moments. I was pondering some of my “bad habits” and seeing them through the eyes of my children.
Two things that my kids see me do nearly every day is (1) Go to Sonic for a Dr. Pepper (yes, I know…it is a major problem not to mention a frivolous expense) and (2) frequently work on the computer.
I’m really afraid that these two things are going to be two of the most prevalent memories my children have of me when they grow up. This is not the way I want to be remembered!
This got me to thinking about how I would like our kids to remember about me. I would really like to be remembered for reading my Bible each and every day and frequently serving others. These are two things that I am really bad at. I plan to read my Bible each day, but I have not been good at consistently making it a top priority. I might as well lay it all out on the line and tell you that I really struggle with selfishness. I have to make a conscious effort to think and do something for someone else. I’m pitiful, I know. I don’t blame you if you don’t want to read my website anymore.
But to be remembered in this positive way, I’m going to have to make some changes. I’m going to try to reduce the frequency of my Sonic trips and limit the amount of time I spend on the computer when the kids are awake. I’m also going to attempt to do my Bible study while the boys are awake, that way they are seeing me read my Bible. I might be a little distracted by frequent interruptions of toys being stolen from one kid or the other, but then again…when am I not distracted? At least I will make it a habit and let my children see this “good habit” rather than all of my bad habits.
There…I told you. Now you have to hold me accountable. :)
OH MAN!!!!!!!!!! I could have written this post! Couldn't agree with you more on everything. Especially the Dr. Pepper *sigh*. One of my favorite parts of the day…ha so bad I know!
That's funny that you write this because the other night in bed I was thinking pretty much the same things.
Studies have proven that Dr. Pepper and daily car trips are actually quite beneficial for several reasons, more energy for you and daily field trips for your children are just two of them. It's TRUE!
As for the reading your bible part….that's also been proven to be highly beneficial. Add me to the list of "why then, is it the last thing I do in the day?" SO…. we all hold eachother accountable, give it just a few minutes a day if that's all we have and ask God to make those few mintues meaningful. :)
By the way, Jenae, you are NOT selfish…I bet you hadn't had your Dr. Pepper when you wrote that. :)
Don't be so hard on yourself! You totally deserve a dr. pepper once in awhile, every mom should take some time for a little treat during the day. It's hard work!
Thank you so much for your transparency. I myself have been reflecting on some of my own bad habits and am trying to change for the better. One of those bad habits is leaving dishes in the sink. :( I'm working on it.
I love that you share yourself with us in such an honest way. I couldn't agree more that reading the Bible in front of the kids is the best way to teach them not only what our priorities are but also how to incorporate Bible reading into their own life. I want my kids to read God's Word and love it as much as I do.
Hearing your honesty makes me want to come back more often to visit your blog. Don't stop being honest with God, yourself, and your readers!
Great great reminder! My kids certainly see their dad AND me spend a ton of time on our laptops at home. Probably not a great habit. I do want them to see me cooking more, spending more time with my Bible open, and praying more…
when you said, "i don't blame you if you don't want to read my blog anymore", i laughed out loud! you are like everyone else; everyone has things that they need to be convicted of, need to change. and in fact, it made me go "phew!" because i, too, know that someone out there is struggling with some of the same things as me!
I just wanted to say that I struggle with selfishness too. You're not alone, it's something I will forever (probably) need to work on. I also spend way, way, way too much time on the computer. I actually set up the parental controls to lock me out for part of the day…seriously how bad is that! =) Whatever, it's something I've been fighting for awhile and it's finally working!
Thank you for not being afraid to share your struggles along with your wonderful strengths of teaching your children. I struggle with my Bible reading and putting my selfishness above others and God. I think as mothers and Christian mothers, we need to share our struggles and encourage each other…knowing there are many of us working on this together is an encouragement to me!
I came across your blog a couple weeks ago and I just have to say I love your ideas, but love these types of posts too! Thanks for the awesome ideas you give all the time. I drink dr pepper too and my 17 month old says it's "mommy's juice". C;