Have a New Kid by Friday? Really Mr. Leman?

It was LOUD! The television was on full blast, kids were fighting, book bags emptied and spread all over the floors, names were being called, the sound of whining and crying could not escape my ears, the only one in control ~was chaos itself.  I attempted to direct the children and started gathering up belongings from the ground and searched the cupboards for dinner, then it hit me: "Why am I not practicing reality discipline like that book I've been reading?"  Obviously, I doubted it could help me!  Of course there are times I want to give up! Why would anyone? Because parenting is like trying to be the president:  NO ONE wants to listen to you and yet, they expect EVERYTHING from you.  As a parent, you must learn to respond~ NOT react; be consistent; and have an undying perseverance or conviction to see the absolute best for your child.
So, this scary Tuesday evening as I finished up work and returned home to find unruly children with poor attitudes and demonic(using this word very lightly) characteristics I was pooped.  I could not even hear my own voice.  I put down the book-bags, walked out of the kitchen, and retreated to my bedroom where I locked the doors and laid down onto my haven of pillows.
Not even 5 minutes passed when I heard scratchings on my door from the claws of those tiny creatures trying to figure out how to unlock my bedroom door, I was scared - they found my hiding place.  Unfortunately, these brilliant trolls found a way to unbar my refuge.  In times of puzzlement they cleverly discover ways to get what they want at dashing speeds of light as if they were the spawn of Speedy Gonzales or Road Runner.
"Why are you being so lazy, MOM?" "You're being so mean, a big Meanie!" (I will save you and them from too much embarrassment by only including those two comments)  I continued to sink deeper into my shield of fabric until I heard: "What's wrong, why are you ignoring us?" "Why are you NOT listening?"
I knew at this point their hearts were sincere so, I gently responded with: "If you do not listen to me, why should I listen to you?  If you ignore me and my request then why should I do as you say?  I am not your maid, you do not pay me.  Disrespecting me will not gain my attention or trust."  Their young eyes teared up and they replied: "So, you're not making us dinner?"  I replied with "No, I don't feel like it."  My 11 year old stood up and said: "Fine, I'll make dinner!" and stomped out of the room.  I stayed in bed as the other children followed their brother as if he was the Pied Piper playing the magic flute, they happily believed he was holding the ticket to their rumbling tummies satisfaction.
It didn't take long before I heard Eve's sweet voice praying, saying grace.  I got up to peek around the corner and to my amazement I caught my youngest three starting to eat macaroni and cheese at the table.  I couldn't believe it, they were being nice to each other!  My oldest son came downstairs and asked where his was, by that time the other siblings had already devoured the macaroni.  He went into the kitchen, pulled out the bread and began to make him a pizza sandwich......was this the first time my oldest son prepared his own food????  By golly, I think it was!!!!!!
Right before I turned to walk away I looked at them and said "well done, now don't you feel good?  Breakfast will be served at 6:30 and I will be in the car at 7:10, if you are not there you will miss breakfast and your ride to school."  I retrieved to my bedroom & noticed how they followed, maybe with a bit of resentment towards me but, the house was soon completely quiet.
This morning my alarm went off at 6:15, as I was getting out of bed I heard little voices chatting at the top of the stairs and the sound of pattering feet.  My children were up??? Without me hootin & hollering at them to get out of bed????  I was in shock, no one was fighting or calling names, they just assembled to the kitchen where they started eating breakfast (with a GOOD attitude)!  At 7:05 I started walking out the front door to start the car.  My 11 yr old happened to see me shutting the door and within 5 minutes all four of my children were in the car.  I can't tell you how crazy, amazing this is!  It might be your norm, but definitely not mine!  Sometimes, kids just need some responsibility(apparently).  Best school morning in the history of my feisty crew!

YES, Thank you Dr. Leman for helping me have some new kids by Wednesday!

Relating to this scenario, I recommend Ephesians 6:4.