Out of the mouth of babes

This morning, I had to take the kids with me to the auto repair shop. While driving, I listened to a sermon on CD. This pastor is definitely more of a teacher than a preacher, but he can get fired up and passionate when necessary.  As his voice volume began to crescendo, my 4 year old uttered from the back seat, "Mom, I think he's losing his temper!" 

I found his comment to be most amusing at first, but then I began to consider what motivated him to say such a thing.  My son did not understand what the pastor was saying, but he clearly associated a forceful and loud tone of voice with a loss of temper.  I was convicted at that moment of the tone I have apparently used with our children when frustrated with them or when desperate for them to listen to me.

Proverbs 15:1
  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

As a parent, I need to constantly be reminded that tone of voice communicates much more then any words I may choose.  Our children perceive our emotions more readily than our message.

What are you communicating to your children today?