At home with your family in close quarters. Your children are running around wild, and you’re wondering how you’re going to get your work done and care for your kids at the same time.Kids don’t understand that when mom and dad are home on their computers, they really aren’t “there.” Actually, spouses may not understand that either.Or maybe you are a stay-at-home mom or dad who normally relies on the quiet times during the day while your kids are in school in order to be present and engaging when they come home. So when they interrupt, you get annoyed and pretty soon, there are some harsh words or tears or slamming doors.Grace – An undeserved giftThe Bible describes grace as an undeserved gift from God. We are to extend this same undeserved kindness to others, including our beloved friends and family members.Ephesians 2:8-9 says:“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”G – Begin with gratitude. When I’m ready to react in anger, I stop and recognize that I’m grateful and blessed to have a husband, children and other loved ones who love and support me.R – Resist the emotions. I make a choice to resist expressing negative emotions.A – Adjust my thinking. I realize that whatever my loved one is doing that is annoying me is likely unintentional. Rather, it’s his or her way of communicating a need.C – Communicate kindly. Sometimes it helps to start with a question. “What can I do for you?” “How can I help?” Or, offer an honest response. “I know this is hard on all of us.”E – Express genuine appreciation. This becomes the underserved gift. You might be able to make a good argument for dishing out some criticism but when you turn that urge around and offer an encouraging word instead, most often that response calms the other person down.How am I supposed to show grace when I don’t even have a moment to think?
