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Monday, May 11, 2009

Time-Out for Restoration



Have you ever been in time-out or have you ever put one of your children in time-out? The definition of time-out is: a brief suspension of activity.

For some strange reason, time-out takes on a whole new meaning when it is being enforced upon your grandchildren. My perspective of what a time-out really is has been altered by my ‘Nana instincts”.

One day last week Ashlie and the boys were at my house and Bryton was being just a little bit too helpful with Sawyer. (in other words, he poking poor Sawyer in the eye with his finger). Ashlie had told him a few times already to leave his baby brother alone. Well, I think that Bryton was having some hearing problems that day because I know that if he HAD heard, he would have obeyed : ) But much to my dismay, he didn’t obey and got sentenced – I mean, sent to time-out.

Well, this Nana is not real up to date on exactly what time-out is supposed to consist of or entail. So as my precious little grandbaby was sitting in the chair facing the door, I thought he looked a little forlorn and perhaps a bit lonely. I also thought he looked quite cute and sweet as he just sat there very quietly looking at the door. I decided that it was a good photo opportunity as he doesn’t hold still very long under usual circumstances. Ahem… wrong decision. I was just snapping away and Ashlie was like – “Mama! What are you doing? He is in time-out! NO pictures…” So after just 1 more quick shot which I posted above... I put my camera away.

Well, my little fella just looked so pitiful sitting there, so I thought a little song would help pass the time… We had just got started clapping and singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart….” when Ashlie said “Mama, this is a time-out! He is not sitting there so you can entertain him. NO singing…”

So I had to go and sit down. No singing.. no pictures. I guess I really didn’t give it much thought to what time-out was all about. It was meant to give him the opportunity to think about what he had done and to realize the importance of listening to his mama.

I understand that my daughter is teaching Bryton about obedience. I know that this is important for him. When we learn the necessity of obeying our parents at a young age it enables us to comprehend the necessity of obeying Christ when we are older. I am sure that God has looked down upon me many times and said, “that girl just needs a time-out” In fact, I am pretty sure He has actually ordained a few of them in my life!

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)

The good thing about a time-out is it enables us to reflect on the past. It enables us to repent and regroup. And then we are better equipped to re-enter this thing we call life and be more determined and more purposed in our calling as Christians.

God leaves us in a time-out for our own good. He knows that it will be a time of growth. He knows that we will arise from it with a new outlook and a new spirit of obedience. He knows that it is not a time of separation, but a time of restoration.

I don’t want to force God to put me in any more time-outs. My desire is to be obedient and mindful of Him and His Word. I love Him, therefore I will keep His commandments.

“If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

Thank you Lord, for the Truth of your Word. Thank for you putting me in time-out when I need it and for allowing me to arise from there and be more determined and more committed to You and Your commandments.

Beth

10 comments:

Lisa said...

This post put a big smile on my face. Being the Nana is much easier than being the Mama and having to make sure they learn the lesson in obedience.
Have a great Monday!
Lisa

Debbie said...

Thanks for being so faithful in your prayers. Nathan has a way to go with probably 2 more surgeries in his life up to the age of 3. Its good to know that God is there. Your grandson is so cute, I know I'll have to see that in Nathan's life at sometime or another. It will be hard for me because I want to just spoil him, but its necessary. I hope you had a great mother's day, I sure did. Debbie

petrii said...

Beth,
This is so funny. We Grandma's just don't get all the rules sometimes huh? That's why we're gma's =) Poor little fella looked like he needed a picture and a song =)

Have a Blessed day friend,
Dawn

Leslie said...

Great post! I used to laugh when my own kids would tell me that I needed a time out. I would say, "Oh please send me to my room and let me be by myself! I would love some time alone!"

Denise said...

I would love to have you as my Nana! Sure would make time out pass much more quickly!

Too sweet! :o)

Denise

Beth E. said...

What a sweet post! Oh, and that little grandson of yours...what a cutie! I would have had a hard time staying away from him, too! :o)

Alleluiabelle said...

What a sweet picture. I would of captured that one on camera too, and I would of started clapping and singing too. That's what we Nana's do.

My daughter enforces the time out with one of her boys, the other is only 5 months old. They truly get it. She started with my grandson at about 2-2 1/2 and he really gets it. It took some time for him to finally realize he was suppose to think about what he did wrong and when she would ask him, he would tell her something totally not it. I had to grin and laugh to myself because they are so sweet and innocent, but with perserverance, he now can tell you why he is there and he just turned 3 in April.

What a great analogy. "The good thing about a time-out is it enables us to reflect on the past. It enables us to repent and regroup. And then we are better equipped to re-enter this thing we call life and be more determined and more purposed in our calling as Christians."

Excellent post. I loved it and you are a blessing to me when I come here.

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Stephanie said...

Beth I enjoyed this, I can relate to the time out with the grandchildren it is so hard to see them when they get in trouble. I liked it when you talked about separation-restoration. This is something we all need from time to time just to be in a quiet place and focus on nothing but God.

Pam said...

Yep, I have been time out with the Lord, and I probably felt the same way as your grandson! But it did us both good! God is good!

Jennifer Sikora said...

I think I need a time out! NOT! I really don't like when God gives me a time out, but I know sometimes I need them to put me back on the right track with Him. Your grandson looks just adorable!

Thanks for sharing this! It blessed my heart today!

Be blessed my friend!