fussing. Actually, we discussed what it is and why we do it. Then I asked if it works. Most of the children answered sometimes. In other words, it works for them to get what they want just often enough for them to keep trying it. Oh how I wish these children’s moms could have heard this conversation. The children were honest; they fuss because sometimes it works!
One child even proclaimed that everyone has to fuss some times. I challenged this. I asked who believed the Bible is Truth. They all raised their hands. So if I could find it in the Bible where it says we don’t have to fuss, would they believe it? Yes, they agreed.
Earlier in the time the children had said that fussing was expressing their anger and complaining. So I read, Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Fussing sounds sour like vinegar, God wants our words to be pleasant like honey. Then we read, Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his anger (fussing), but a wise man keeps himself under control.” The Bible says if we are wise we will control ourselves and not fuss. Lastly, to combat what the children earlier defined fussing as, Phil. 2: 14 “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”In other words, God tells us to do everything without fussing; so we do not have to fuss, we have control over it.
As we wrapped up the class we did some role playing. One girl
said she fusses when her mom asks her to do anything. When she is asked to clean her room she says, “Oh, alright, I suppose.” So I asked her if that was being wise or foolish according to Proverbs 29:11. She said she didn’t know. I gave her a second chance because I knew she was just being difficult. She answered,
“I just like to be difficult and independent.” (How many times has she heard others describe her that way and she has taken it as fact?) As a class we reminded her that the Bible, which she acknowledged as Truth, says that fussing is not being wise. And since she wants to grow up to be wise and not foolish, then she would need to practice a non-fussing response like, “Yes, Mom, I would be glad to.” As a group we proclaimed this in unison.
To end on a memorable note the class used a fussy tone to ask for
a cookie, and then we asked for a cookie with a smile. Several times we practiced. Finally, I gave them all a cookie. Lastly, I challenged the class to go home and have their words sound sweet like honey, not sour like vinegar. To bring strength to their mothers with pleasant words, not wear them down with fussing.