August 2
A Lesson
in Patience
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Proverbs 13:24 (NIrV)
Delilah stood in the crowded shopping mall, her hand gripping Dylan’s wrist tightly as he tugged away, determined to explore the brightly colored toy aisle. It was supposed to be a fun outing—something to enjoy on a Saturday afternoon. But Dylan had been acting out for days, testing every limit, pushing her patience. Today, when he grabbed a toy off the shelf and refused to put it back, Delilah felt the familiar anger rising inside her. She had warned him, but now he was making a scene.
"Put it back, Dylan," Delilah snapped, her voice sharp.
But Dylan, only seven years old, was lost in his own world. He didn't want to listen. He wanted that toy. He wanted it now.
Delilah’s frustration boiled over, and without thinking, she smacked him lightly on the arm, the sting of the slap echoing through the quiet aisle. "I said, put it back!" she shouted.
Dylan flinched, his eyes wide with fear. He quickly dropped the toy but didn’t dare make eye contact with his mother. His shoulders hunched as he fought back tears. Delilah stood there, her heart pounding, but she didn’t feel better. She had just disciplined him, but something about it felt wrong.
Before she could say another word, a voice interrupted her thoughts. A woman standing nearby with her child raised her eyebrows and said sharply, "Excuse me, but that is not the way to treat your son."
Delilah’s face flushed with embarrassment. She felt her chest tighten, her pride stung by the woman’s words. But more than that, something deep within her shifted. Was that really the right way to discipline Dylan? The smack had come out of frustration, not love. She loved Dylan more than anything, but in that moment, she had let her anger dictate her actions.
The woman’s words lingered in her mind as Delilah pushed the stroller forward, her son’s small hand clutching hers, now quiet and withdrawn. As they continued walking, the weight of what had just happened began to settle on Delilah’s heart. She had a lot to think about.
Later that night, after putting Dylan to bed, Delilah sat alone in the living room. The house was quiet, save for the hum of the refrigerator. She opened her Bible to the verse that had been running through her mind: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Delilah realized that she had misunderstood the concept of discipline. It wasn’t about hurting him to get him to listen. It was about guiding him with patience, love, and care, helping him understand right from wrong, and showing him respect. She closed her eyes, offering a silent prayer to God.
"God, I need Your help. I want to be the mother Dylan deserves. Please guide me in teaching him the right way—not out of anger, but out of love. Show me how to discipline with patience and understanding, and help me be the kind of parent who builds him up, not tears him down. I don’t want to hurt him. I want to love him and help him grow into the man You created him to be."
As Delilah prayed, she felt a sense of peace settle in her heart. She knew she had work to do, but she was ready. God was showing her a better way, one rooted in His love and wisdom.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for Your love and guidance.
I know that as a parent, I am called to discipline with patience, not out of anger.
Forgive me for the times I have let frustration dictate my actions.
Please help me to be a better parent, one who disciplines with kindness and understanding, always reflecting Your love.
Help me to guide my children with grace and wisdom, teaching them Your ways.
I ask for Your strength to be patient, to show love even when it’s hard, and to lead by example.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
