Proverbs 3:11-12 My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
We have really been struggling with Anjali’s behavior; it seems that every other day she is aggressive, angry, and just all in all unhappy with life. We can’t seem to figure out why and she won’t talk with us. One of the most difficult things to explain to our children, and to help them understand, is that we discipline them BECAUSE we love them. I am sure it is this way with most children, that they view our discipline as us not loving them, but it is still extremely frustrating and difficult. I am finding myself asking the question, ‘how does one teach the children that discipline comes from a place of love?’ I m sure it comes from the way in which we, as parents, dole out the discipline, but this is still, how do you do it?. I don’t know about you, but our children have not yet figured this out and guess for that matter, neither have I. They still view our discipline as a way for us to control them or to make them do what we want. I have continually tried to tell them that they are loved when they are well-behaved just as they are loved when they are being disciplined. We try our best, but I am afraid that we have not been able to fully demonstrate this message.
Today she was pretty angry when she woke up, but as the morning progressed she came back around, probably because she knew that we had plans to go shopping to Khatima with the ladies on the mission. As much as she didn’t deserve the reward of going, we really needed this time together and it turned out to be a wonderful afternoon. We left just after 10 am tea time and all 9 of us piled into a taxi we waved down on the street just outside the mission (we were planning on the bus, but this worked just as well. We actually split into 2 groups and hit the markets of Khatima searching for our treasures and then we all met up for lunch. I have to say, Anjali was so excited that she was able to get some pizza and french fries. We had a really great time, and it was pretty successful. I was able to find a saree and 2 suits (traditional Indian tunic and pants), along with scarves for both Anjali and I, as well as her best friend, Nadia. Plus we had a lot of fun. According to Anjali, the best part of the day was lunch. The restaurant was upstairs from a sweets store. Anjali picked out Sour Skittles and Nutella for her brother and sister.
Today was also the birthday party for one of the girls and the big girls did a beautiful job decorating the rooftop of the Strong House with balloons, birthday cake, music, and of course a fire to keep them warm! I was so happy to be able to stay long enough to sing happy birthday, but then took off to the let the girls have their fun. These kids really know how to through a party and celebrate each other.
This picture of Lachlan and Niyati is too funny to not include.
Sara's Daily Scripture and Journal 