Monday

I don't have a lot to say tonight. It was a busy day and the kids weren't on their best behavior when they were left alone; my teenager wasn't very level headed, my youngest son was out of control and my daughter ended up becoming a punching bag for them. My heart broke in two, as did their mother's.

I know I don't model physical abuse like this. I've shown poor examples and modeling of how to handle anger, but not to the level that my boys showed their baby sister today. I'm sick about it. If they didn't learn from me, where did this come from? Worse yet- did they learn this from me?

The kids are now in bed. Apologies were made and prayers said, but the pain of having one of your kids abuse another is heartbreaking. What can I do as a dad to make this stop? The boys said that my daughter was being very naughty and wouldn't stop bothering them. Finally, they had enough and tore into her. While I understand their frustration, they crossed a line that should have never been crossed.

How many times have I reacted in anger when I shouldn't have? How many times should I have shown them that when you are frustrated, or when someone attacks you, that you need to keep your cool and not give in to fighting back? I pray tomorrow brings less hurt and more love. As children of God, we all deserve better.

Matthew 5:39

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Good Night