Tuesday lunch found John, Joseph, Jesse, and me at a local restaurant. This wasn’t just a lunch to eat out, but it was a “special” occasion. You might be thinking that it didn’t look like a very fancy restaurant to have a special meal at, but there was significance to the place we chose.
Here’s why we went out to lunch at Taco Bell on this day! The other night while talking before Bible time, we were all sharing memories. One memory that came up we laughed about, but at the time it wasn’t funny.
Here is what happened. We were on a trip (many years ago! : )) and the boys and I were having an argument about cats and dogs. Thinking back, it seems quite silly to be arguing about cats and dogs, but at that moment in time for three little children, it was a serious matter! The boys happened to prefer dogs, and I liked cats much better. When I wasn’t winning the argument, I brought it to Dad’s attention, making myself sound like the angel in the situation.
The situation escalated to where the boys were given a consequence for arguing. They were to eat a lunch of Wheat Thins in the van while we girls, Dad and Mom ate inside at Taco Bell where Dad could see the boys in the van. After eating my lunch, instead of me having a sad attitude and realizing that I was part of the problem as well, I had a proud attitude and was pleased that the boys were in trouble.
Now many years later, looking back on the insignificant things that provoked the argument, I can see how silly it was to argue about cats and dogs, how wrong I was to tattle, and then to be happy that my brothers were given a consequence. I shared that with the boys, and I invited them out to Taco Bell this last week as restitution for the attitude I had during that time.
We had a wonderful time together! It has been neat to see how the Lord has worked in our brother and sister relationships, because we truly are best friends! For those moms out there who have children like we were, be encouraged with Mom and Dad’s consistent encouragement, daily in the Word as a family, and the Lord’s help, we have grown to where we love to be together! Yes, we’re not perfect, but the Lord has done an amazing work in our lives. I am so grateful to the wonderful parents that the Lord has blessed me with, because I know that I would not be where I am now with out them!
And yes, I have to say I do now really like dogs better than cats. Maybe that was influenced by finding out that I’m allergic to cats!?
Anna
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34)
God Bless u Anna… What a blessing to c u serving the Lord and following the prompting of the Holy Spirit!!
Anna,
What an example and inspiration for me to follow in making wrongs right — even after ‘all these years’! Thank you for sharing this with us. To Christ be the glory!
Love,
Julia for the S. Family
P.S. I can’t imagine you wanting to get your brothers in trouble 🙂
What a sweet story! Thank you so much for sharing!
What a great story Anna!! I will be sharing this with the kids!
Anna, that’s beautiful! I can relate so much, especially to how amazing the power of God is to change my heart towards my siblings. My 5-year younger sister and I get along so much better now than we ever used to, and I’m so thankful for the joy that I feel when I’m around her!
I really needed to read this today after trying to get 3 children 6 and under ready for church and being 8 months pregnant with #4 (while my husband was at church leadership meetings). Sometimes I feel like my children will never stop fighting and tattling on one another, but reading this gave me a glimmer of what their relationships could be like in the future if we raise them the way the Lord has put on our hearts to do.
Sweet and kind!!! You are so blessed to have forgiving,loving, protective brothers. We have some very good friends who have little boys and they’re the closest we’ve ever had to brothers!
As for dogs and cats, I love dogs! When I was really little, I did like cats, but then I switched to dogs for two reasons: all 4 of us are allergic to cats, plus Dad doesn’t like them, but I’ve loved dogs ever since. Besides, our dog loves cats (our home isn’t a safe place for cats when our dog is outside!)
God bless! Rebecca K.
How timely the Lord can be! I love that about Him! Today has been a struggle with our 3, ages 6-10. Wondering if your Mom has an old Mom’s Corner regarding this issue? Would love to read it!
Blessings Maxwell family,
Sheri
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Sheri,
Actually there are quite a few. Just run a search on the Corner’s page for bickering.
Here is the first of a series.
God bless,
Steve
An incredible addition to the blog. Sometimes we don’t see the fruit of what God works in us until later. The seeds get planted and then watered. That is a true example of God’s work within your heart and an example for many of us to utilize with our children.
There are so many things the world tells us is normal, sibling rivalry & rebellion as just two examples. We don’t have to accept this as truth. We have to pour into our children the things of the Lord. And let the Holy Spirit do the work.
Thanks Anna for your transparency and this testimony.
God Bless!
I really like that story, Anna. I agree with your choise…I like dogs better than cats. 🙂 Like you, my brother is allergic to cats, and I think I might be also.
Great post Anna – I must admit I seem to be in the minority but I actually prefer cats!!…what a beautiful testimony, your brothers have a gem of a sister, what a blessing!
I am so grateful for this post tonight, it not only lifted my spirits, but gave me some ideas on how to handle future situations when my little ones are bickering with each other.
I am always grateful for this blog and thankful for your family and their willingness to share your lives with us. Thank you Maxwell family, may God richly bless your lives even more than He already has. 🙂
Ahhh. this post gives me hope! I have read your mom’s corner post about bickering several times as my two (ages 12 and 14) are struggling a bit with this. One minute they are arguing, the next, they are each other’s best friend! One thing about it is that the example they have in my own relationship with my brother is a good one even though he lives out of state. Their dad’s with is siblings…not so much, but with the Lord’s help, we can overcome that.
Love you all!
Lori
What a precious post, dear Anna – – thank you for sharing this! I also enjoyed the cute photos of you and your sweet brothers. (But I must confess, I am a CAT person!). 😉
Hugs from Georgia, Patti M.
Anna, there are many of us that pulled the same stunts when we were younger. It is very sweet to know that after all the years, you and your brothers could have a good laugh over it. There is no perfect family but you all seem to communicate and get along especially well. It is so lovely to see the happiness on all your faces.
What a cute and encouraging story! I just read your response to Sheri W’s comment…I’ll check out the Mom’s Corners on bickering! Again, thank you for your encouragement! God bless you all!