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Friday, August 31, 2007

The perfect parent...

"Oh, my goodness! How many times have I told you to pick up your towel off of the floor??" My frustration shows as I grab the towel and hang it on the bathroom rack.

"And, Colin? You've gotta flush!"

My sigh is loud. I wouldn't want anyone to miss it. I quickly move from room to room trying desperately to create some semblance of order. The baby is actually happy in the bouncy seat for the time being. I am well aware that it will most likely be a very short time.

I sort the laundry and head into each child's room.

"Maddy, why haven't you put away your clothes? I asked you to do that three times earlier. You need to do something the first time I ask you! Put them away now please, neatly, and bring down your basket when you're done."

I lift the baby from his seat, get a burp and feel warm stuff running down my back. After a quick check to make sure none got on the floor, I trot downstairs, barely remembering by the time I reach the bottom to wipe off my shirt.

"Someone didn't clear their place from lunch!" I call upstairs to whomever is listening. Probably no one, I think to myself. I sigh again, put the baby on a blanket, and rub my temples.

Why, Lord, can't they remember the things I ask? Why can't they do things the first time? I repeat myself over and over and yet I might as well be talking to the pot rack.

I know how you feel, God answers.

You do?

Yes. Remember last week when I told you to hold your tongue? How many times have I said that to you?

Oh, now you're making this about me? No fair.

Or what about the times I've asked you to not be so sensitive? That's a tough one for you.

You're taking the wind out of my sails now, God. I know I'm not perfect.

I'm only asking you to guide them gently. Shepherd them as I do you. They will learn more by your example than your stern words.

You're the perfect parent, God. Just be with me and teach me...

That's all I wanted to hear. You got it.



"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Prov. 16:3



Come visit me at my blog home, Fruit in Season.

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7 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

Wow, awesome post. Bless you dear one.

September 1, 2007 at 4:48 AM  
Blogger Sandi said...

Your blog started like my days use to when the children were young. Thanks for the remeinder!

September 1, 2007 at 7:19 AM  
Blogger Tami said...

AMEN, friend! Great post.

September 1, 2007 at 7:42 AM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

God uses my children and my role as a mom to reveal Himself and show me His ways often. I love when He speaks in the everyday things of my life.

This was a beautiful reminder!

September 1, 2007 at 10:22 AM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

This could very well have been a scene from my home - minus the spit-up these days :) Though I have taken my share of barf raising my four.

Thanks for being real...

much love,

Lisa

September 1, 2007 at 2:05 PM  
Blogger Cyndi said...

Yes! I remember once hearing Sally Clarkson say that one day when she was exasperated over her kids' behavior, wondering when they'd finally "get it," her husband asked, "How old were YOU when you stopped sinning?"

Ouch. ;)

Thanks for this today, Christine. A great reminder that we are all works in progess, from glory unto glory.

September 1, 2007 at 8:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Christine,

I love this that you talk back and forth with God in one of those mundane moments. That is where God meets me all the time.

Wonderful post. I think God does get tired of telling us over and over. When you become a parent you sure can see His frustration. Great post.

September 3, 2007 at 9:54 PM  

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