Finally understanding what 'lead by example' actually means
For years I thought it meant preaching at my kids about the right way to live while I wasn't living it myself. Now I get it. When my son asked why I pray every morning even when I'm tired, instead of giving him a sermon I just said 'because it makes me better.' He started doing it without me asking. When I apologize to him sincerely after I mess up, he sees what repentance actually looks like. It's not about being perfect, it's about showing him the walk not just talking about it. Changed everything about how I parent.
Man this hits hard. Took me a while to figure out that kids don't listen to what we say, they copy what we do. Now I try to live the way I want them to live instead of just talking about it.