Our Fullerton Free Preschool has made the Fruits of the Spirit a focus this year and our students are learning the nine fruits through songs, lessons and stories. It’s such a wonderful theme that we’ve extended it to our staff, sharing how the specific ‘fruit of the month’ relates to our personal lives. During October we spent time looking at self-control. Here’s a snapshot of what I shared with our preschool teachers for October:

“I have spent many hours trying to figure out why I’m so stubborn. I know God has given us the ability to make decisions. Growing up, I was taught right from wrong. I was taught to always obey God. I memorized Scripture every week. But I was never really taught how to apply all these things in the real world. It’s something I have had to work hard at over the last 20 years.

I am nowhere near having a complete handle on it, but I know that I have to rely on God to help me with my daily struggle of self-control. Earlier this year I attended the Enneagram/Spiritual Gifts class that was offered through the Discipleship ministry at our church. Over and over again I was feeling overwhelmed and embarrassed by my personality. Then, one evening I clearly heard the Lord tell me that He specifically designed me to be who I am. I have many strengths that I can use for His glory. So, with that heavy news, I felt more overwhelmed. I tried to resist. But God kept pulling me closer and closer to Him. I felt His unconditional love and I’m proud to be made in His image.

So what is it I struggle with when it comes to self-control? I struggle with my temper. I struggle with control. This verse reminds me of what God is telling me I need to focus on: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” James 1:19.

So how does this apply to me? God has made me a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a supervisor. God leads me to people who walk closely with Him so that I may follow in those footsteps. God gives me opportunities to lead others, in my personal and professional life.”

We’re blessed to work with children every day. God has led each of us here, specifically to this preschool, to model the fruits of the Spirit to these kids and their families. Stand with me today to show what self-control looks like. It may make a difference in someone else’s life.