War and Chocolate

There is nothing like starting the day off to a dose of Damien Rice, while sipping on Seattle's Best coffee after a week of extreme hell. A good friend told me last week, "Things will get worse before they get better." I thought to myself "now that's encouraging", however, he was spot on. What real conflict is resolved without bloodshed right? Right. It appears that when we think we are out of the woods, something drags us right back in. The unfortunate thing is that intuition sometimes is the one pulling at your leg. I am convinced that the best resolution to a conflict is achieved when one can drag themselves into it. After all, isn't part of the problem that we aren't humble enough to face it? However, once that dilemma breaks us at the core, then we are ready to approach it. You can go two ways about it though... With a sword in hand or unarmed and on your knees. I usually go with the first option, but for the past month, the latter has been my best choice. Funny thing is, everyone bleeds the same, but at least the wounds aren't senseless.


One day, these two little boys will become men and live to face conflicts of their own. Will my actions display a response of "give it hell!" or "handle it with grace, mercy and patience"? In a sense our little ones are in conflict from the very beginning. The nursing at 2 am out of comfort instead of necessity, the artery shattering screeches when mom leaves the room, the repetitive blows they give their sibling when they want the toy and we can't forget the high speed chases across the living room when they're avoiding a diaper change. The thing is, their response will mirror ours. Are the first words out of our mouth "NO!" or "STOP IT!" And if that describes us, then are we in the right to respond in a "drill sergeant" manner when our child uses the same tone with a little friend or sibling? People hear the word discipline and they cringe because they automatically envision a father, a paddle and a toddlers bottom. However, the key to discipline isn't punitive, but instructive. We see it throughout the Scriptures, which is why its usually in the same sentence with words like listen, counsel, and love. Just by a glance at the word we can see that the word "disciple" or pupil is in the very word itself. We are their instructors, which prompts us to teaching with actions and words. If one removes the instructing portion, you're left with nothing but a beating that will probably lead to your children resenting you.

All this to say, put down the sword when you go into battle... pack plenty of gauze, a gurney, some wine (for my wife a mimosa) and chocolate ( raspberry filled dark chocolate for her again). It'll get bloody, but once resolved, be merry.