A good sabbath: repentance and a nap

I am glad I was at church today. I was called to repentance in a personal way that I'm sure no one else is aware of. My children avoid being with me and spending time at my house. I understand that it's true that at 14 and 17 I can't control their behavior. They will walk miles rather than follow my rules for driving the van, in 17 degree weather even. I make my peace with that and commit to being the parent I want to be nonetheless. However, I've become a little too laissez-faire of late. I realized today that I need to renew my efforts at inviting, as painful as it can be to have the invitations rejected or simply ignored.

The kids were here when I got home from church. I asked them to be home at 8:00 p.m. every night so we can pray together next time they come back to my house in a week. I have no expectation that they will do it.

I also think I need to text them more, which I am sure will annoy them in the short run. It's hard to know the right frequency, or what even to say. And I just really don't enjoy the activity of texting someone.

I am tired, in every respect, so my goal for today is to take a nap.

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