He throws and enormous fit whenever he doesn’t get to choose something. 

I’ve been fighting him on this, expecting him to just deal with not getting to always make choices. 

Prince Charming and I have been reading a parenting book (which will soon be part of a giveaway) that suggests we let him choose whenever it isn’t a big deal.  The two choices you give, as the parent, should each be an option you can live with.

So what if his clothes don’t match.  So what if it takes an extra 5 seconds to get his milk in the morning because I have to lift him up to choose his cup.  So what if we read the same story over and over again.  Those things don’t matter in the long run (or the short run, really).

Everybody likes choices.  When we are denied the right to choose something, we tend to rebel.  I can imagine it is quite frustrating as a child to not have any say in any matter. 

Giving a child the ability to make some choices is validating.  It makes them feel that they are worthy. 

And when children are given the opportunity to make choices regarding small matters, they will be less likely to fight you when you make choices for them on bigger ones (like safety, respect, and morality). 

Even God Himself, the Maker of the universe, has given us a choice (remember Adam and Eve?).  He does not require us to love or obey him.  He has given us the right to choose.

Little Brother is getting another tooth, which means his nose is a faucet and he has a permanent crustiness just below his nostrils.  Yuck.

But when I look at his face, I don’t notice the gross crustiness that I can’t seem to get off (probably because he screams everytime I try).  I notice how beautiful he is…his sparkling blue eyes, super-soft brown hair, perfectly rounded nose, and adorable smile.  He’s the cutest and most precious baby in my eyes.

Now, prior to having children, I probably would have looked upon a child with a snotty, crusty nose and thought to myself, “that’s disgusting…somebody needs to wipe that kid’s nose” and failed to see the beauty behind the snot.  There’s something about it being your own child…

This really reminded me about how God must feel about us.  He is able to see the beauty behind our snot.  He loves us irregardless.  We all do things that are utterly disgusting.  It is human nature to sin.  Even when we are trying our hardest…we still sin.  Does that change God’s feelings towards us?  No.  He looks upon us as His most beautiful children and knows the beauty behind our snot. 

He remembers what we looked like before the snot.  He knows our potential.  He believes in us.  He is our biggest chearleader.

And He loves us…with our snotty noses and all.

Being a parent is such a curious thing.  On one hand, you look down at this tiny, perfect little face and your heart overwhelms with pride that God chose me to protect and nurture this precious little person.  Nearly in the same breath, however, you can be completely humbled when that sweet little boy chooses to throw a MONSTROUS fit in front of everyone because he didn’t get to choose his sippy cup! 

Yes, you know what I mean.  If you’re reading this…you’ve been there too!

I don’t think I’ve ever felt such overwhelming pride and joy when I look into the faces of our precious boys.  They are truly amazing miracles from God himself…and my love for them is literally bursting out of my chest!  But there are times (and I know there will be many more to come) just like a few days this last week where I am completely humbled as a parent.

I think to myself “Did I really just write a post about how we effectively deal with toddler temper tantrums???  You certainly wouldn’t know it standing in my living room right now!”

Excuse me, there’s something stuck in my throat.  Oh, it’s my pride.  Let me just go ahead and swallow it.  :)

I didn’t used to be this way…I used to be daring and adventurous.  I was the first one to go snow-skiing through the trees and jump off cliffs at the lake with all the boys.  It’s really only been since having children that I’ve become a worrier.

I’m convinced that God gives parents, mothers especially, the instinct to protect and nurture their children.  He entrusts us with these little miracles and we are given the enormous responsibility to take care of them.  Of course we should try to protect them in whatever way possible!  And part of this involves us attempting to control what we can to keep them safe and healthy.

Ultimately, however, most things are out of our control.  That’s where I start worrying…and worrying…and worrying….and worrying.  But that’s where God says, “Stop worrying and just give it to me.”  Unfortunately, this usually isn’t the first, second, or even third thing I do when I start to worry about something.

I decided to make scripture cards to keep in my purse.  The goal is to take these cards out whenever I feel myself starting to worry about something.  This idea was suggested at a Bible study I participated in last spring.  I started it then but am just now getting around to finishing. 

So I thought I would share with you the scriptures I am adding to my list in case any of you suffer from “worryitis” like I do.  Most of these are probalby scriptures you’ve heard before…but I decided to use “The Message” translation because lately it has breathed new life into some of my favorite scriptures.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”  -Philippians 4:6

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”  -Matthew 6:34

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me.” John 14:1

And when I doubt my ability as a mother…I love this one because it puts things into perspective:

I am God, the only God there is. Besides me there are no real gods.  I’m the one who armed you for this work.  I am God, the only God there is.  I form light and create darkness, I make harmonies and create discords. I, God, do all these things.” Isaiah 45: 5, 7

And if you really need to be put in your place…go and read Job 38.  You’ll be glad you did!

I’m embarrassed to admit to you that all of my grand plans I shared with you in the last few weeks, like making my Bible study in front of Big Brother more consistent, not going to Sonic as much, and speaking respectfully to those I love, have just about all gone down the tubes this week.

I haven’t felt very good for a good part of this week, I haven’t been sleeping well, and Big Brother has been challenging, but those really aren’t excuses.  I’ve been irritable, impatient, and short-fused.  As one of my good friends said this week, “I won’t be winning any awards!”  I just haven’t had the “sticktoitiveness” and self-discipline to do the things I know I ought to do. 

Just like Paul says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  So is the conflict of human nature…

It is weeks like these that make me so thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning…and that his forgiveness is never ceasing. 

And I’m also thankful for the forgiveness of the people I love (that means you, Prince Charming).  :)