Superhero Undies in the Toilet
I actually said this aloud this afternoon. It's one of those things that surprises you when it exits your mouth because it's so crazy...who lives this way?
We do.
Millions of other parents do.
We live with children. They are not orderly or quiet, and they do not have good manners. They have no sense of duty, nor responsibility. They are born this way.
My three-year-old son is in the middle of the potty training marathon. When nature calls, he marches upstairs and removes his pants, then lowers his underoos and kicks a field goal with them before he plops himself on his little froggy potty. Those little underpants land in the darndest places. I've found them in the tub, the sink, and all over the bathroom - sometimes behind the toilet, and when he's especially lucky, in the toilet. Goal!!
I had none of those mythical children who "train themselves" or "took one day to potty train." Those magazines all LIE when they say it can be done in a week or less. Potty training is serious business - it requires loads of time and laundry. It requires the willpower and grit of a soldier, Drill Sargent, CEO, lawyer, minister, and toxic waste clean up crew all in one. You must be firm but gentle, regimented but forgiving, and willing to do a lot of dirty work, all while plastering a convincing smile on your face.
Hey - come to think of it, this may describe the bulk of parenting. It is the most demanding job I know of - because it's a 24/7 commitment. From the moment you bring that sweet, wrinkly brand-new infant home from the hospital and forward into eternity, YOU are that child's parent.
God chose you, and he fashioned that little person just for you! As Psalm 139 so beautifully describes, God knit us together in our mother's wombs. He lovingly fashioned us, following a pattern of his own design.
So when we look at those little people who mirror our reflection, who make messes of clean houses in a matter of minutes, who demand food, drinks and entertainment every waking second of their days, and yes - who fling their underoos in our toilets...when we want nothing better than to yell at them and begin to wonder why we decided to have children in the first place - we can remember they are perfect, unique individuals given to us by God to raise. An awesome responsibility. Thank you, God!
This is great, Karen! An awesome reminder for us moms who are trying to be "perfect" yet feel like colossal fails at times. Thank you for the encouragement and words to relate to. I personally really needed this as a mom of a very challenging 3 year old boy! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are encouraged by this article, Erin! There is no "perfect" parent or child. We're just doing the best we can! It is my personal philosophy that the more you can laugh about things, the better.
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