Life Lessions
February 8, 2011
When I became a mother, there were many things I didn't count on. My child teaching me more about myself as a person was certainly one of those things.
Do you remember the age old saying “it's takes 21 days to develop a habit”? I think that's the same for teaching children the rules of life. Over the past few weeks my daughter and I have been going through the age old battle of mothers and daughters. I feel like I repeating myself over and over again (who am I kidding, I really am) “you are NOT the mommy, I am the mommy. You do NOT make the rules, I make the rules”.
I know it's a battle of control. And I know that as parents we have to pick and choose our battles. I have to be patient and have a game plan prepared to help her realize that she can't control life no matter how hard she tries. I often have to remind myself of the innocence of children, but who better to learn this life lesson from than her mom? My husband and I take the blessing and opportunity of shaping a life very seriously, but sometimes we're too tired and the opportunities to correct her in love slip through our exhausted hands.
And then, one evening we were getting ready for bed. My daughter was leaving the washroom and out of the blue she say's to me
“Mom, I am NOT the mommy, you are! I don't make the rules, you do, right?”
All those moments of reprimand and correction had finally paid off. It wasn't in a moment of defiance, but just her and I doing our day to day routine. She wanted me to know that even though she may not of liked it, she was finally understanding this little fact of life. I have had to remind her since then (of course) but in those moments, the intensity of her reaction has lessened. It's so satisfying to finally reap the rewards of your labour.
A few days later, as I was laying my head upon my pillow I heard the strong and familiar voice of my parent in the whispers of my mind.
“You are NOT God, I am. You don't make the rules, I do”.
And there lies one of things that I didn't count on when I became a mother. God using my child to teach me something hidden deep down inside of myself.
What has your child taught you about yourself?
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I can now begin to understand the profound love that God has for His children when I think of how much I love my own. It also shows me a glimpse of the hurt He must feel when we make choices that He knows will cause us pain.
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