The first time I ask them to do something, it’s probably in a nice tone of voice. The second time, probably a bit less so. After that, all bets are off.

Rationally, I know the flies/honey thing, but man, the anger burns bright when they just. won’t. listen.

So, here’s what’s been working lately. I get down on their level and calmly, but firmly, state the minimal requirements for us both to get out of the room alive.

It takes every ounce of patience to refrain from throttling them, but I do it. I give them the space to decide to either ignore me and face agreed upon consequences, or do what is needed to maintain family harmony.

I feel the hurt well up inside when they either ignore or mock, but somehow I manage to not explode.

Imagine then, the patience needed for Our Father to witness us mock and ignore him.We agreed in a sacramental bond to love, honor, and obey Him, and yet… he sits there lonely on Sunday mornings as we ignore Him. Maybe, if He’s lucky, we grudgingly make an appearance on Sunday mornings, wearing whatever flip-flops and shorts were next to the bed. Or maybe we decide instead that much-needed, sleep, grocery shopping, kid’s sports are far more important than a promise made when we were too young to know what we were signing up for.

So we mock and ignore. We’re too mature for those childish beliefs. We know better than the Father who created us. We break the commandments and ignore He exists. Imagine the patience He must have…