How often I have found myself yanked back into reality by the sweet innocence of my children. Recently, upon putting my youngest child into a 'big girl bed' we have fought the losing battle of keeping our two girls in bed, when they would much rather be out giggling, trading beds and doing anything and everything but dreaming. It is, to be certain, a frustrating experience. However, I learned a beautiful lesson from my children these last few nights. Jeremey and I have, for the sake of our sanity, decided to continue with our bedtime routine, put our girls into bed, put up the gate so they can't escape, and let them 'tough it out'. There have been tears, tattling, screaming and mess-making. But without fail, the last two nights, as our littlest has fallen asleep on the floor, we have found her covered with her special blanket, a doll tucked neatly underneath, and a big sister asleep right next to her keeping vigil. How grateful I am for such a sweet reminder of the unconditional love of the innocent. I had another such moment when, after putting my oldest daughter in time out for picking on her little sister, I watched as my little girl walked over to her big sister and stood right next to her in time out, with their arms wrapped around the other. I know that, had I been cracked on the head with a barbie car, I would not be so forgiving and willing to suffer right along with my abuser. This is not something I can honestly say they have learned from me -- it is far more likely that it is the innocence they inherited from their Father that they have yet to lose. And I hope they never do -- what beautiful spirits and sincerity.
There are times I am so often frustrated by my children, and wonder what it is I am not teaching, or how I ought to better approach them. But then I realize that I learn from them -- every day. I learn how to be a better mother from my children. I can't think of a greater truth -- and a straighter way to salvation -- than to 'be as a little child'
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” Matt. 18: 1-5
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3 comments:
Thanks for the good reminder. I needed that - as mine are now spilling water and giggling upstairs. We have one 5 year old and one 2 year old, but, yes, they are so loving and kind and such good examples (most of the time).
I think the sweet moments are what keep me going as a mother. Sometimes those moments are rare, but they continue to teach me the importance of my role. Thanks for the reminder.
My oldest little boy, Sam (3 yrs), can be pretty abusive to my little 16 mo old. One day, after Sam pushed little brother really hard into the coffee table, we went straight to time out. He was screaming and pounding on the door. I walked into the other room for a few minutes and suddenly the screaming stopped. I went in the other room and saw my 16 mo old at the door of the boys room, and when I looked closer I noticed that Sam had his hand sticking out from under the door and my little guy was holding his hand. I thought the same thing you did, how can he so easily show love to a brother who just hurt him! But I guess it just didn't matter much, he loves his brother still, and will stand by him always. I love my little guys and the lessons they teach me every day.
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