Jesus said to his disciples:
“What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
I think your response to Mt 18:12-14 is insightful and well-written. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the parable and its applicability to your personal experience as a grandparent.
ReplyDeleteHere are some specific points I appreciate:
Connecting the parable to personal experience: You effectively draw a parallel between the shepherd searching for the lost sheep and your own efforts to guide your grandson back to a positive interaction.
Emphasis on love and patience: You highlight the importance of love and patience in navigating challenging situations with children. Your willingness to remain calm and gentle despite your frustration is commendable.
Respecting autonomy: While you set clear boundaries and expectations, you also acknowledge your grandson's desire for some control over the situation. This demonstrates a healthy balance between authority and respect for autonomy.
Finding joy in the process: You recognize the heightened joy and special gifts that come from investing effort and sacrifice in nurturing relationships. This is a valuable insight that extends beyond grandparenting and applies to all relationships.
Overall, your response offers a positive and encouraging perspective on dealing with challenging behaviors in children. It reminds us that love, patience, and understanding can go a long way in fostering healthy relationships and navigating difficult situations.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Self-reflection: It might be helpful to reflect on why your grandson was resistant to the routine and what might be causing his frustration. Understanding his perspective could inform future interactions.
Communication: Open and honest communication with your grandson, even at his young age, can be helpful in building understanding and resolving conflicts.
Consistency: Maintaining consistency in routines and expectations, while allowing for some flexibility, can provide children with a sense of security and predictability.
I believe that your approach to handling your grandson's behavior is a positive example for other parents and grandparents. Your commitment to love, patience, and understanding is commendable, and it serves as a reminder that even in challenging situations, we can find joy and fulfillment in nurturing relationships with the children in our lives.