Jillian Day 257

Wow, did I ever learn a difficult lesson because of my granddaughter, Jillian. Jillian spent the night with us Saturday night, her brother Nolan, chose to stay home with mommy and daddy.

We discussed going to church on Sunday, something that Jillian usually enjoys, however, Sunday morning plans where altered. I changed my mind and decided to stay home, reasoning that it was OK. I had gone to a Wednesday service and we were having a stand-in pastor because pastor Amy was sick; the perfect opportunity to play hooky.

The morning seemed to be perfect, I delivered some fruit to "Sweet Little Rose," and enjoyed a short visit. Jillian was watching television, while Rick puttered on the computer. All was well, or so I thought, until the moment when I mentioned the we were not going to church, actually it was way passed the time for service.

Jillian, screamed and yelled at me, demanding to go to church, you promised! Had I ever made the wrong choice! Jillian has the temper of her grandfather, and once the fuse is lit, look out. There was no reasoning with her, she angrily stormed off to her room, slamming and kicking whatever got in her path. It gets ugly!

You would think, that as the adult, I could easily talk to her and explain that I had merely changed my mind. No, that doesn`t work, she started yelling and screaming that she hates me and to leave her alone. Thinking that time alone would allow her to calm down, I left the room as she slammed and locked the door behind me.

Now, Pop enters this disturbance, sparks fly, he`s yelling and blaming me for this eruption. While yelling at Jillian to "unlock" that door! What happened to our peaceful Sunday morning?

Proverbs 19:19-20 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Thankfully, Rick`s temperament has mellowed over the years; I`m sure that he must understand Jillian`s rage better that I do! Thank you, God!

I exited this mess, as he assured Jillian that he`d take her to church. Thinking to myself, really Rick, you know it`s too late for church, you`re just rewarding her for outrageous behavior. This contagious rage had the entire house in an uproar; off they go! I assumed, pop would just take her for a ride and buy her something to pacify her and restore peace.

Rick drove to church, expecting to find all the doors locked tight, then perhaps hoping to reason and comfort Jillian. However, they found the sanctuary door unlocked and entered the empty building. Jillian made her way up the isle and sat in a pew beside, Pop.

Pop and Jillian sat alone, prayed and shared amazing God- time together! Jillian bowed her little head, joined her hands in prayer and ask God to help her control her "hissy fits." Rick said, it was one moment that he will not forget.

Thank you, God! By His grace He can easily turn our mess into a time of divine glory. Was it a co-inky-dink that the door wasn`t locked, or was that one of my favorite God-winks!

You better believe, that I will not make a commitment and change my mind in the presence of my high-spirited granddaughter. Yes, as a family we are all in the learning process and dealing with Jillian`s sudden uncontrollable outburst of frustration! I learned a valuable lesson today, but also felt the presence of Jesus, thank you, God.

Jillian apologized to me for her unappreciated behavior, I accepted her apology and told her how much I loved her. Perhaps there will not be a next time, but just in case, I hope to remain peaceful and not drawn into the fit of rage. I thank God for His blessing in this little family flare up of tempers!

Psalms 60:12 With God we will gain victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

This disturbance started because I changed my mind and Jillian just wanted to go to church, shame on me, God please forgive me. Amen