Angel in the Corner

The other night as I was saying goodnight to Will, he said he needed someone to sleep in bed with him because he got scared. I told him he was a big boy and that we couldn't sleep in there with him. I reminded him that he has a bunch of stuffed animal friends to snuggle with and that God is always with him. Then I added that God has His angels watching over us all the time. I wondered to myself whether Will would find that tidbit reassuring or too interesting to allow him to sleep. Suddenly he looked up and pointed to the corner of the room and asked, "Is that one right there?" It's hard not to laugh sometimes when kids are so sincere! Will did manage to fall asleep shortly thereafter.

Not Playing Nice

Well, Anna had a bad day at school today. Apparently she's had several bad days lately that she hasn't told me about, which explains why she had the mysterious "I just don't feel good" this morning while she begged to stay home. Apparently the girls at school are not playing with Anna. She said she asks them if she can play and they tell her "no". Ugh! I hate that! Why would anyone not want to play with my sweet little angel? Ok, seriously, nobody's perfect, but can't they all play together nicely?? Anna's two best friends from last year are not in her class this year, so she's sad about that, too. What's a parent to do??

September 11, 2001

The shock and horror of the realization of what had happened.

The utter unreality of it.

Going to work at Friedman's Jewelers in the Statesboro Mall.

Employees and customers hand in hand in a giant prayer circle in the middle of the mall. Praying. Blinking in disbelief. Wishing it weren't true.

Knowing the world would never be the same.

Parents as Servant-Leaders

Lately I've been considering my role as a mother, and how best to impact my kids for a successful future as mature, involved adults. And I've been coming back to the biblical idea of the servant-leader. Jesus, of course, is the best example of this. He led and influenced large numbers of people, while also humbling himself to serve them (like when he washed his disciples' feet). I think this model fits the role of a parent quite well as we seek to lead our little ones through the maze of social customs, moral values, and general education, all the while serving them as their primary care-givers responsible for their nurturing in every way.

I am trying to be mindful of this ideal when I am getting up for the tenth time during dinner to clean up the spilled milk and provide a refill. Or when nightmares and funny noises and lovies that have fallen off the bed conspire to keep me from a good night's sleep. Or when dirty diapers need changing or someone has gotten sick on the couch. Not really fun times or good times, but important, serving times. The exact times when the servant side of the servant-leader is best displayed. We can find joy (not fun or happiness necessarily) in those times knowing we are following Jesus' example in caring for our little ones and putting them first. When we are not feeling the love, He can provide it for us.

The servant-leader idea is a bit of a balancing act. It is important not to overplay one side or the other. Too much servant, and you become a doormat with spoiled, bratty kids. Too much leader (authority), and you become a tyrant with resentful, fearful kids. The trick is to get it just right (or close), somewhere in the middle. The balance is where you lead in love and strength controlled; where you serve in love to lift them up.

It is others-centered rather than self-centered. It is impossible on our own. But by grace, when we trust in God, He can enable and empower us in this great task of shaping and equipping our kids to realize their potential and become productive, compassionate, responsible adults ready to take their place in society.

The Fry is Falling! The Fry is Falling!

Today, as I sat in the soft play area of the Oglethorpe Mall, a French fry landed on the floor a few feet in front of me with no one standing nearby. I don't know where it came from. I glanced around and didn't notice anyone looking impishly guilty. I don't know why I didn't walk over and pick it up to prevent some innocent little kid from eating it off the floor. I just sat there, contemplating it. And then, suddenly, a sparrow flew down to the carpet, looked around for a split second, grabbed the fry, and flew up and away. Seriously. It was very surreal. After a while I saw the little guy again and watched him flit into the yummy pretzel shop, no doubt looking for some cinnamon and sugar pretzel bits.