Fruit of the Spirit

I don't know if it was my own idea or God putting it on my heart, but it's time to start teaching my kids about the fruit of the Spirit. There has been a lot of talk around here about "sharing love." But it has become a source of contention between S & E. "S stole my wand, he isn't showing love!" "E hit me, she isn't showing love." You get the idea. It's a reason to tattle.  So I know I need to really teach them what it means to show love, not just say it.

Well, when I pray about something God has a way of just throwing me into a situation that will see how good I really am at doing what I've asked for like showing love and being patient and using self-control. The first day I set out to teach my kids about the fruit of the Spirit, he threw me into a situation where I needed to be reminded of all 9 of them as E was struggling with going into the nursery. Be joyful about how great the nursery is. Show her love by not forcing her to do something she doesn't want to do. Show her love by not giving in to her every request.  Be patient as she throws her tantrum. Be kind to her and acknowledge her anxiety. Be gentle. Have self control and not show her my true feelings. Show goodness in what I am trying to offer E. Be faithful in what God is trying to teach me in the midst of this. Have peace. Peace, I need peace.

I'm sorry God. I am an idiot. Here I thought I had it together enough to teach my 5 and 2 year old about the fruit of the Spirit, when I'm not even acknowledging it in my own life.