How’s this for an confession. I smile when your kid throws a tantrum…
Ok, now before any one gets upset, it’s not because I’m thinking to myself that my kid is so much better behaved or what not, (trust me, he’s not!) but it’s because it reminds me that ALL kids misbehave. It’s not just my kid. Sometimes, when the weeks, and nights are long I forget that it’s normal and that all kids have challenging stages. I forget that just because my kid is naughty and likes to throw fits sometimes doesn’t mean I’m doing a bad job a parenting.
Worst of all I get so caught up in trying to stay sane throughout the day with my chaotic toddler, I forget that:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Sometimes I think it’s just my kid doing things he shouldn’t, a few minutes in public I remember it’s yours too. And then it hits me, It’s me too. I am just as guilty as the two year old I care for and correct. I may not throw a tantrum or experiment with hitting people, but I do many other things that are just as bad (if not worse). I’m prideful, I’m selfish, I get angry and offended, I feel like I “deserve” this or that. I am envious. The list goes on and on. And really, most of it is the same stuff my son is dealing with, just on a deeper level. You may not see it as much because I’m an adult now, and I’m better at hiding my faults and sins, they are still there though.
We are all sinners in need of grace. From the tiniest of us to the oldest. From the kids that seem “perfect” and the one that screams the entire time his mom is trying to shop (chances are they are the same kid). We all are in desperate need of God’s grace. Not just my kid, but me too.
When I remember that, I remember to be patient. To teach more and get mad less. To pray and ask God to show me how to use my son’s naughtiness to point him to Jesus. I know there is a lesson there for him, I just have to find it, and teach it in a way he can comprehend.
I’m thankful that through all my efforts to teach my son about Jesus, God hasn’t forgotten to teach me about Himself in a way that I can understand. He teaches me through my son, and I am so grateful.
Thank God for grace…and patience.
Lisa Lewis Koster says
So true. I agree that as adults we’re not necessarily any better, just better at hiding our sinfulness. Thanks for sharing!
Alicia says
Oh, my goodness, I needed this today! We’re neighbors at Playdates- by God’s grace- and I’m thankful to have landed here. I love this reminder–just because my kid is naughty and likes to throw fits sometimes doesn’t mean I’m doing a bad job a parenting. Even after five toddlers, I still find myself discouraged and frustrated with my last one. Her strong can zap me! I think tomorrow I”ll just choose to smile:) And remember my own sinfulness, too. Blessings to you!
Dionne says
My sons are 2 and 4 and boy can I relate. Oh yes, I have great adult tantrums and I can hide my sins well. Thank you for encouraging me today!
Urban Stylist In the Country... says
Thank-you
:)
Gaylene
The Barbers says
Encouraged by your thoughts (as usual). Thank you for being obedient and exposing your heart to challenge and inspire other mothers!
Grace For That
futurehope says
thanks for the encouragement to keep doing it! :)
Laura Boggess says
Such a good lesson :) isn’t it beautiful how God uses it all?
Beckey says
HA! I’m so glad to know I’m not the only parent who does this!
Love the way you were able to related those terrible two behaviours to the way we adults behave with God sometimes. Love this post!
Kelly says
Haha! I love this!! I can definitely say that on more than one occasion I’ve sighed in relief when someone else’s child acts up! What a great perspective though…we ALL fall short and are all constantly straining toward Him!
Shell says
What a great way to look at it!
Amanda says
I love this!! I’m not a mama, but boy oh boy did you put some great perspective into an otherwise unhappy situation! Praise God!
Becky Moseley says
First of all, your title cracked me up!
Second, this is so true. Don’t we all do this though? Not only with children, but is so easy to do in other areas of our lives too.
Shannon Quigley says
wow, what a perspective, comparing our behaviors to our children and how they do parallel. They just take different forms as adults.
This post is such a good reminder to me. Thanks
I am a new follower, I found you from the upward not inward blog link! blessings,
Shannon
joyceandnorm says
Stopping by from Company Girl Coffee
I’m right there with you too.
F.... says
Ohhh, I would be lying if I hadn’t thought about doing this: “I may not throw a tantrum or experiment with hitting people…” Hahhaha. Yet the grin that accompanies watching a temper tantrum in a grocery store aisle… Yeah, I’ve done that too for the reason you listed. Thank God it isn’t just mine… Then to think, that’s me with my Father in Heaven… Yeah…. I relate to this post hard core. Thanks for linking up with Into the Word Wednesday!!
Falen