Working out the self-control thing.

Self-control, it seems to be something that God is wanting to give me more and more of these days, and that's a good thing.  I'm trying to receive it, I am.  But it's hard.

The past few weeks I've been really focused on training my youngest in the subject.  We've had more than a few public meltdowns on his part. One involved me throwing him under one arm as my last resort (kicking and screaming, naturally) and dragging a stroller over 100 yards to my car, surrounded by dozens of people, staring of course (like their toddlers never did this? Righhhhhhtttttt) as I tried to get him to practice some self control and quit throwing a fit in public.   

We had a talk, some discipline was given and things moved on.   

Last night we went to the park and when it was time to leave he defiantly crossed his arm and said. "No.  Not leaving this park."  (and really I couldn't blame him with what a beautiful night it was).  So I went over and picked him up, told him to change his attitude or there would be consequences and loaded him in the car.   He started crying, and I gave him the look.  Moments later I heard him trying to control the sobs.  Deep breaths were taken.  Sobs got a little quieter.  Finally he said "I changed my attitude mom.  I'm sorry." (followed by a quiet little sob).  As soon as we got home I sat on the couch with him and he wrapped his arms around my neck and cried a few more tears about the disappointment of having to leave the park.   And then it was done. 

I realized at that point that we had had our first breakthrough in the toddler self-control department.  He's getting it, he's figuring out that even when he's heartbroken or hurt about something, he's allowed to be emotional, but he still has to be obedient and tantrums are not allowed.  Self control.  It's a beautiful thing.  

It's something I'm trying to remember myself too.  Self control as an adult has a whole different look.  It's the not looking at what you shouldn't, not saying things you shouldn't say, steering clear of the things that cause harm, not gossiping, controlling the tongue, not letting emotional impulses run your life.  Oh....and not eating that entire pack of Oreos that's hiding in the kitchen right now.  Ugh. 

God's been working it in me a lot lately.  I still have a lot of weak areas that I want Him to help me get stronger in.   But I'm making progress and feeling stronger in that area, and I like it.