Dusting Envy

It's been one of those mornings... a morning where Ezra and Asher are grumbling about much, griping at each other, and lacking much patience. We've had many talks about love... that love is patient and kind, and love does not delight in its own way. The best way for them to show love to one another is to be patient with each other and kind. That loving one another means giving in and not demanding his own way. We've talked much about how each of them needs to love his brother more than he loves his own way. At times, however, I feel more like a broken record playing to a deaf audience than a parent trying to shepherd her child's heart.

After argument number 96 of the morning, my patience was lacking. I was trying to get a few morning chores done, when yet again, another argument ensued... "I want to dust!" "No, it's my turn to dust!" What in the world? My boys are fighting over who gets to clean? That's a fantastic fight! I quickly decided I needed to harness this cleaning dispute and turn it into something useful. I got out the small cordless vacuum and put them to work. While one vacuums, the other "gets to" dust, and then they switch. I've had about 20 minutes now of boys taking turns vacuuming and dusting, not fighting, and on top of it all, the basement is getting shiny and clean. That's fantastic!
And being boys, of course they both need to inspect exactly where the dirt goes... fine by me!