One of my parent mottos when it comes to discipline is, “I will outlast you.”
It sounds maybe harsh and competitive to some; maybe funny to others.
I knew when my children were little that if I didn’t discipline them, it would set them up for failure later in life. In fact, I knew if I didn’t discipline bad behavior, I wouldn’t be loving my kids well.
And so, I knew that no matter what they dished up, I could never give up. I had to outlast the bad behavior to teach them that I would not give in. It meant too much to me and their father.
There’s a tendency in our squishy times to see discipline as synonymous with abuse. Abuse is different and we all know it. Sadly, too many don’t want anyone to feel bad or be called out or corrected because it is perceived as mean.
And then consequently, children who are never disciplined grow up believing the the world revolves around them and they selfishly trample on everyone in their path. Name one person who wasn’t disciplined that you enjoy being around. I’d wager you can’t.
We read today in Hebrews 12:7-11, “Endure your trials as discipline; God treats you as sons. At the time, all discipline seems cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those trained by it.”
Discipline burns off selfishness and weakness. It works to remove childish tendencies towards self-centeredness and helps us grow into mature, compassionate, enjoyable adults.
God disciplines us, Catholic Pilgrims, through trials because He loves us and so each trial must be seen, as hard as it is, as something that is forging us into a better person. We must trust that He knows what He’s doing.
Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Wednesday.
