Today I was in the midst of getting ready to take the kids to the park when my oldest began getting very frustrated with her sneaker while I was in the bathroom getting ready. I don't know about any of you other mothers out there but there comes a time (many times) in the day where you are in the precarious position of self-care and cannot immediately run to fulfill your child's request. I told her to go and wait for me out in the living room and she obliged...pouting. After a minute she began whining from the living room and then soon I heard the thud of a sneaker flung against my door with great frustration. Now I had two choices: get really angry at the fact that she whined her way into a tantrum or find out what was going on from her perspective.
I have to admit I chose the latter but with unfortunately there was some anger in my voice along with it. (whining is prohibited in our house-even children try to ignore that rule.) I asked her a few questions and then I asked her "Did you believe me when I said I would come out here and help you when I was finished?" "No" she responded eyes wide.
WOAH! That changed it all. She became frustrated and angry becuase she didn't believe what I said I'd do for her. She thought she had to figure out how to untie the knot in her shoe all by herself- no wonder she responded like that! In that moment I had to ask my self the same question.
How many times do I respond to God like that? God says several times in His Word that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. Do I believe that? I mean do I really really believe that? When things are financially challenged, when I feel like giving up on a dream, when I have a snag in a relationship? Do I get frustrated and fling my sneaker at the door? Sadly, I have many times. But I'm learning. I found that I needed to reassure my daughter that I meant what I said-that I'd be there as soon as I was finished.
Thankfully God doesn't have to take care of any personal needs before He helps us. He never slumbers or sleeps. He, in fact, has all things planned out at the right time so I must trust Him and wait patiently for Him to come and untie my knots. And you know what? He ALWAYS does!
...by the way-we did make it to the park. I met two other very nice moms and had to leave promptly 30 minutes later due to wet diaper and wet pants from the wet slide and wet swings. It was fun anyhow!
Please comment and share some of your flinging sneaker moments by going to my creative mother blog.
