All of a sudden, your voice jumps three octaves to get everyone in the car faster. The tension grows and your blood pressure increases by ten points.

Why does life have to be so complicated?

Can’t the children just be ready when you give them the five-minute reminder?

Well, you know that answer. Of course not. If only the children would cooperate all the time, life would be easier!

I think it’s a way to remind us how crazy we drive God. When we don’t pay attention the first time (or second or five-hundredths time), don’t you think God would like to raise His voice at us.

But what amazes me is that God doesn’t raise His voice most of the time. Instead, He whispers to get our attention. But if we’re not careful, we won’t hear Him. If we’re not watching, we will not see Him.

Children do the same thing. They think they know everything. They close their ears pretending not to hear. They ignore the obvious just because they can.

Who needs to be reminded twenty times that you are leaving for practice? Well, obviously they do because they’re never ready.

Between the yelling and arguing, it can get really LOUD in the home to the point that no one is listening anymore.

How do you maintain your sanity and leadership in your home when stuff hits the fan?

Take it from the coach, “No one ever drowned in sweat.” ~ Coach Lou Holtz

The K.I.S.S. ~ No one ever drowned in sweat!

Life is never going to be easy. There are lots of things that you can do to make it simple. But implementing simple takes consistency and fortitude. You have to be willing to go the extra mile when the going gets tough.

1. Reflect on what’s best. Take a step back. Breathe! What is the goal of the situation at hand?
2. Listen to all sides. You need to know your child’s point of view. Giving him/her the time to express this doesn’t mean you are agreeing with them.
3. Whisper a resolution. Or you can give a resolution with a giggle.

“No one ever drowned in sweat.” ~ Coach Lou Holtz

Raising up your child is going to challenge every fiber of your being. Your heart will be pulled in all different directions. Your blood pressure will go up and down. Welcome to the roller coaster of life!

“Train for life. Love your journey!”