"Caleb- No!"

Caleb is becoming more and more mobile day by day. This is starting to make his life way more exciting and my life.... well, way more tiring.

He really likes going for the things he can't have. You know, the nightlights, the electrical cords, the fans. He also loves to try diving off the couch. One of Ross' coworkers called this stage- The Suicide Watch. It feels like that often.

I knew this was coming and I know that from now on (until eternity??) it will be my job to help set boundaries for Caleb. Gently, but firmly telling him that No- he can't do that. I know that he doesn't understand much of that now. But he will, very soon. And a lot of our relationship will revolve around mommy teaching Caleb was is appropriate, acceptable, glorifying and what isn't. Now, he's endangering his life with electricity (which is pretty scary). It won't be long before we are setting boundaries around what we do for fun, who we hang out with, who we marry. I have to start now.

One of my prayers, since the beginning of mommyhood, is that I don't grow too weary to discipline my son. I've seen so many moms, who I know are good mothers, who really care for their children, who sit on the couch and tell their child no a hundred times, too tired to get up, look them in the eyes, tell them they mean it and help their child to move on. Lord, please let me never tire of directing Caleb. Please give me the energy to get up and move him when I need to.

I was encouraged yesterday as I read Proverbs of these verses that speak directly to disciplining your children. Here they are :

Proverbs 29:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.

While now it seems like discipline is such a taxing chore, these verses highlight the good fruit that it brings.

My prayer for you is that you may never tire of disciplining your children- in leading them in the LORD's way- so that your children will not disgrace you, but rather may bring you peace and the delights that you desire.

That sounds sooooo good to me! : )