Mom Heart Moments #147

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

STOMP, BANG, SLAM. “Everyone in this family is always losing things. If they would just be responsible, we wouldn’t waste so much time looking for things all the time!” My sixteen-year-old son was getting ready to take the car to a friend’s house, but we couldn’t find the keys. Finally, we found them behind the refrigerator —of course, no one had any idea how they’d gotten there!

The bigger issue to me was the yelling, stomping, and banging around the house my son had done in his search. Somehow in my heart, though I was frustrated, I knew it was a time for grace.

I went to the kitchen and loaded my tray with a pot of hot tea, chocolate chip cookies on a plate, and a lit candle. Then, I took the tray into the tiny special spot in the back of my bedroom and turned on some instrumental music. The scene was ready. I told this child that I wanted to speak to him, “In my room —now!”

Dread filled his eyes. When we sat down on my couch, I poured tea, offered cookies, and began, “I just wanted to tell you how much I have come to appreciate you lately. I know it is hard to live in this crazy family sometimes, and we do lose things! I wanted you to know I understand your frustration and I love you.”

Relief came over his face. “Wow, I thought I was going to get a lecture or something. Sometimes when I walk out the door of my bedroom, it is only minutes until someone irritates me. Have you ever felt like that?”

We ended up having a great time of friendship together. He felt understood, I had a chance to speak into his life, and the Lord worked in our midst.

Have you ever responded to a grumpy teen, an overtired toddler, or overworked husband with tea and cookies and an understanding word? You might try it sometime!