Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Today is the first day of school for my kids and also for me. I read these verses to them last night before bed, and encouraged them to do what is right, and not "do what everyone else is doing." Any bad influence of their peers can be strong, but they need to stand firm in their faith and not be tempted to do what is wrong, even if the majority is doing it.
Later, as I thought more about that passage, I realized how easy it is for me to do what everyone else is doing. Yelling at the ref. for making a bad call & complaining about the weather are two perfect examples. The list could go on and on.
I need to heed these words of Paul just as much as my children, to be a godly example to them as well as to others who are watching.

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

From the time my children could talk, my husband taught them to say, “I love you Mommy” explaining to them that they will get out of a lot of trouble with those four simple words. He was right. My oldest is fifteen years old. It still works. My heart melts, my shoulders relax, and I let out a sigh. I immediately respond with, “I love you, too.” Not to say that the kids go without discipline. What usually follows is that my anger quickly dissipates and we’re able to deal with the issue at hand in a much more loving way.