Changed

As I drove home from school today, I heard the song Changed by Rascal Flatts. I love this song and it spoke to my heart the very first time I heard it. It reminds my of the precious gift I received when Jesus not only suffered and died for me but rose again so I could have ever lasting life. Although I am changed, I still struggle with being the person God wants me to be. Please stop for a minute and really think about these words as you listen to the song.

This song also helps to remind me that I can only change me. There are many, many times I want to change a child and their behavior. But the truth is that child will only change if they make that choice. Yes, I can manipulate, scare, threaten, bribe, and do many things that might influence that child to change but it won't be a change that lasts forever or really even become a consistent change.

I think we get caught up at times trying to change others...even when we have the best of intentions. We do want others at times to change hurtful behavior. I don't like it when a child is saying hurtful things or even talking in a hurtful tone of voice. I am not going to change that child but I can teach them kinder words and we can practice using a kinder, softer tone of voice. I know that child is probably not going to listen to me if I start yelling at them and talking in a mean tone of voice myself. When we make a change in ourselves, they will often follow our example.

I would say that I am a soft spoken person and try to use a firm and loving tone of voice....and there are moments and days that Becky Bailey leaves the building and Conscious Discipline goes out the window. But my kiddos change the way they talk to each other because I have worked on changing myself first. I try to model it and give them the tools they need to be successful....and there are times they sound like 2 cats fighting when they go to gym and lose all knowledge of what they do when they are in our classroom!!!!! =)

As we count down the days, remember YOU are the only one you can change to make a difference. =)

I would love a heart note letting me know what you are going to change tomorrow. =)

BTW...if you are reading this and you are the person who un-followed me, I am sorry if I offended you or hurt your feelings...I just try and share my heart.