Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Siblings Rivalry




Dear parents, I hope after reading the below, you will feel encouraged:
Families with more than one child at home will face sibling rivalry. And many a times as parents we feel tired, discouraged, ill-equipped to handle these relational issues.
I was reminded this morning that one reason why sibling rivalry exists is to give us the opportunity to train and prepare our children for relationships as their grow into adulthood. When we teach our children, and they learn to settle their differences with each other, admit their faults and ask for forgiveness, they are learning methods of managing conflicts that will serve them in their marriage, families and at their work place. Sometimes we may feel that they are still not learning and things are back to square one. Take heart. They are getting it - even if they act like they are not. May God grant us the perserverance we need to train up our children.
O give us homes built firm upon the Saviour,
Where Christ is Head, and Counsellor and Guide;
Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favor
And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waver
His faithful Lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;
A home where each finds joy in serving others,
And love still shines, tho' days be dark and grim.

O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,
The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung;
Where prayer comes first in peace or in disaster,
And praise is natural speech to ev'ry tongue;
Where mountains move before a faith that's vaster,
And Christ sufficient is for old and young.

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;
Their bonds of love no enemy can sever
If Thou art always Lord and Master there:
Be Thou the center of our least endeavor:
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

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