Recently we have had to deal with a behavior from one of our children that is a bit pesky. Actually, at times it becomes down right obstinate. It keeps rearing its ugly head, demanding to be dealt with. Just when we all think we have triumphed over this issue. It comes back for an unwelcome visit.

Like the thistle in the above picture, undesirable behaviors from our children can become a problem.

Thistle is a creeping perennial that can spread by either seed or rhizomes (underground, horizontal stems). It can be a problem in pastures, roadsides, agricultural fields, landscapes, and yards. It is an aggressive weed, often forming large “patches” which can be difficult to control. A thistle problem can result in increased competition with desirable plants, unsightliness, and nuisance problems associated with spiny vegetation. (Pierce Conservation District written by Mike Baden)

Raising my children and dealing with some of the prickly issues we have faced lately reminds me of the pesky, yet beautiful thistle. Unwanted character issues, when looked at face on aren't pretty. They can cause strife, anger, tension, and profound sadness for those involved. If I were to ignore these issues and look the other way, I would have a festering, seething, invasive problem. In exactly the same way thistle can take over a farmers field, so can a misbehavior take over my child's life.

These behavioral problems can be difficult to deal with. Sometimes I just want to turn away, throw my hands in the air, let out an enormous sigh and give up. But, when I slow down to ponder over the life lessons that can be taught during these moments, I see a tinge of beauty there. Just like the beauty I see in the invasive thistle.

In my mind and heart I have begun to view my children's misbehaviors as I do the thistle plant. The thistle has its detractors. There are sharp leaves, deep, fast growing roots, and wide spreading seeds, yet among all these detractors there is a spot of beauty. For on top there sits a delicate, intricately designed, beautiful flower in a perfect shade of purple.

This is just as true for my children. Undesirable attitudes can take root quickly in my children's hearts. Causing them to be prickly and hard to deal with. If left unattended, these attitudes can spread, sparking other bad behaviors or even become sown into the hearts of other members of the family. But, if I take the time to pray with my children, guiding them gently over, around and through these tough times. I will be able to see a bright spot of beauty bloom from a difficult situation. I will see hearts change and attitudes altered.

The apostle Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This means I am to give thanks in everything, but doesn't mean I have to be thankful for everything. The Lord doesn't require me to be thankful for the bad decisions that my children make, but He does want me to be thankful for the good that can come out of these difficult situations. There is a blessing, a touch of beauty in times of trial. The beauty is that the Lord is always with us and He will lead us, if we allow, to an outcome worth praising about.

So, with patience, careful pruning, prayer, hugs and words of encouragement, I'll be seeking out the beauty and giving thanks in all things.

Now where did I leave those pruning shears?!