Proverbs 13:24

Proverbs 13:24 - "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." (NIV)

I feel like I need to preface this blog with a few things: 

1.  On our wedding day, my husband gave me a new Bible (with my new name on the front!). Throughout the Bible, there were pictures of us with cute stories. He also went through and highlighted quite a few verses and added notes in the margin. As I was reading through Proverbs this morning, this was one of the verses he highlighted. His note said, "Future notes. Not now!" I thought it was pretty precious. 
2.  This is by no means a parenting blog about raising the kids I don't have.

When I was growing up, my mom definitely took the time to discipline me. Most of the time, she only had to give me the look and I'd crumble, but there were times when a spanking was necessary. My brother... well, a spanking was probably always necessary. And, thanks to the both of us constantly reeking havoc, Mom's disciplinary sidekick was a 3ft long paint stick from Home Depot that said "I need thee every hour." (Good one, Mom!) 

Mom never spanked us in malice, which is why I believe her method of discipline worked for me. It was always clear that I had done something wrong and deserved said consequence. Luckily, I'm a pretty quick learner, which translates into me not having to be spanked for the same thing more than once. (Usually.) I learned that "every action has a reaction" held true in more situations than what science class presented. 
I learned that if I chose to do something, I also chose to handle the consequences when they came. 
I learned to take responsibility for myself and my choices. At the time, disciplined sucked, but in hindsight, it was exactly what I needed to become a healthy, functional adult today. (Thanks, Mom.)

I don't want kids now for a number of reasons. (The main one being that I'm selfish and I'm not ready to share my husband! Sorry, not sorry.) However, when the time is right for us, I'm proud to know my husband has already chosen to lead our family in God's will. I'm excited to raise our precious kids in a household that follows the Bible and will appropriately discipline when needed. I'm excited to teach them how to live, laugh, love, and most importantly take responsibility for themselves. It'll be one of the most rewarding times of my life. Eventually. 

Until then, I'll be thankful I was raised with discipline and tons of love.

Thanks, God, for a mom who never lost sight of you when raising two crazy kids. And, thanks in advance for helping me do the same.