As communication grows between my 2-year-old and I lessons pop up endlessly. In the last week, I have been both amused and irritated. Encouraged and discouraged. Feelings of success and failure.
I am sure you moms out there can relate.
It is dinner time. Tummies are starting to growl and turn. Standing in the kitchen I have finally decided what to make and the culinary explosion has begun.
At her post in the kitchen which is her handy step stool my daughter stands watch. Yes, watch my every move. When she sees something she likes her vocals loosen and, “Mo peas! Mo peeeas! MO peeeaas! MO! PEEEEAS!” The crescendo of “more please” begins.
The mommy in me kicks in. I am encouraged and heavy hearted. On one note she is saying please, that’s good, right?! On the other side, she is being loud, forceful, and rude. And my mind tumbles and turns. “Why does she think getting louder is going to get a reward? She is using please but come on! Really?! I thought I was teaching her something. I really want her to stop but…”
Trailing off I realize something deeper can be embraced by this discouraged mommy. Have I not done this same thing with my Father God, recently in fact? I have requested a want, a need calmly at first and with time exploded into a speech of please God, please! Then fell in tears because He wasn’t answering immediately.
It’s silly. I too can have 2-year-old tantrums. I have been on the other end and left God with a puddle of muck. The difference is God doesn’t get red faced and say something stupid. God doesn’t yell, “knock it off.” While He probably has every right to.
His response is good. He is the God of patience, peace, and understanding. He sees my tantrum and loves anyway.
Raising toddlers is not easy however raising children of Light in this world isn’t either.
I am thankful for our Father. Our Father who gives patience and peace even when our manners are horrible.
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV
Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. NLT
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. ESV
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. NIV
Wise insights, Melissa. We are showing Jehovah to our children in our responses to them, even at such a young age. What are we showing them???
I certainly don’t have to look far when I am responding impaintently and selfishly to those around me to be reminded of how God responds to me. Ps 86:15 is a good verse to memorize so the Holy Spirit can bring it back to me when I need it. Thanks for keeping our focus where it needs to be.