"It's My Day"

Good times together--2005

Today’s verse: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

Since the kids were little, we’ve had “rule” in our house to help curb the sibling fighting over such important things as where we are going to lunch, where we sit in the van, who gets first pick of what to watch on television, etc. You know, the life changing, highly intense decisions and benefits that come when you’re a kid. All I have to ask is “whose day is it?” and more often than not any discussion that has been going on, immediately stops, and the argument is settled. This “rule” has been a lifesaver many times over the years. Alyssa has the odd days of the month, and Kyle the even. It’s as easy as pie.

Recently, however, I found it has a downside as well. The kids don’t use the “rule” much anymore unless it somehow benefits themselves in an argument that cannot be settled otherwise, and advances their rights and fulfills their desires. Forgetting that they can be polite. Forgetting that they don’t always get what they want when they want it. Even forgetting the person in whom they are walking over is also a person with feelings, wants, and desires. All thoughts of kindness fly out the window by the time they decide to bring up that it’s “my day”.

Not only am I reminded to pray for my kid’s relationship together, as brother and sister, but I am prompted to pray for their thoughtfulness towards others. Hopefully one day soon, they will grow out of this selfish “it’s all about me” phase of their life, and become people who care for others above themselves. I pray that they will sense someone else’s needs and wants, being compassionate and kind, and putting others first.

One day, this funky “rule” will leave our home, though it was a godsend when the kids were little, and kindness will take over, and I will be able to say “It’s MY day!” It will be my day to give God thanks that my kids have grown up and are becoming beautiful, selfless, and giving individuals…even to their brother, and even to their sister.

Oh, what a day or rejoicing that will be!

Lord, thank you for my precious children! Thank you for their passions, their gifts, and their uniqueness. They are different in so many ways, and yet each reflect You in beautiful ways. I pray for their relationship as sister and brother, and ask that nothing separates them from each other, always remaining friends. I pray that they allow forgiveness to flow freely with one another. May arguments, or disappointments in one another, never be a defining moment of brokenness in their relationship. Lord, help them to be full of kindness, compassion, and love for one another, and putting the other first when it’s needed. Give each of them a heart that looks to the interest of the other first, and gives honor and respect. Replace their need to take care of themselves, and be first, or have the best, with thoughts of putting others ahead of themselves, and therefore being like Christ. May they shine you, in all that they say and do…especially with each other.