October 19, 2011
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There Will Always Be a "Jessie"
When my oldest daughter Katie was five years old, we participated in an enrichment program. Every time we arrived for the program, a little girl (we'll call her "Jessie") would come up to Katie and say, "I'm not your friend today." Every single time, Katie was devastated. Every week, I'd give my Katie a pep talk. "No matter what Jessie says, please don't care, please don't let it bother you. Just shrug your shoulders, go on in, and sit down with the other girls." Every week, Katie would be in tears. Not understanding why Jessie didn't want to be her friend.
(Five year old Katie pictured with 2 year old Gracie)
I believe that God uses every thing that happens to us, every person that comes into our lives, every conflict that arises, to our benefit. I believe if we listen closely there is opportunity to grow and learn. Over the years, both Katie and I have learned there will always be "Jessie's in our lives." The name and face may change but there will always be someone who doesn't like us, understand us, or agree with us. We can't get rid of all the "Jessie's" in our lives but we can change how we respond to the "Jessie's".
Possibly one of the most important things we can learn in life and help our children learn in life is conflict resolution. Instead of removing the things/people/issues that upset us or our kids, we should learn to deal with the conflict. Learn to handle it in a way pleasing to the Lord.
Eventually Katie won Jessie over and I'm sorry to say that Jessie picked another girl to terrorize each week.
Disclaimer: So sorry to anyone named Jessie. It is a beautiful name used for illustrations purposes only.
Comments (5)
You are so right...there will always be someone who doesn't like us.
And yes, I agree, we need to deal with it and not remove ourselves from the situation no matter how hard it is. =)
My daughter, Keira, has a little girl that does that to her every time she sees her at church. It's even more painful when you consider that our church has a total of 80 people in it - with only 3 other little girls!
I so want to protect her, but I know it's better for her to learn the Godly way to deal with the situation.
@Sevenofus - It is so hard but you are wise to allow God to use it to teach her life lessons. I worry that many parents are stunting their children's growth by always interfering. Sometimes being a momma is the hardest of all.
@Elizabethmarie_1 - I think it is called "raising our children with the adult they are becoming in mind". Which really is the best gift we can give our children - preparing them to be wise adults.
So Hard but so True, thanking Him for He is our forever and always Best Friend and in this world He is our Refuge and our safety when life for the moment seems difficult and strange He is our I AM.
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