I am beginning to think that God created children as an incredible funny joke on parents. My worst sides are shining brightly into my face like a gigantic magnifying glass when look into the eyes of our precious boys. When I stop to reflect on where those ugly things came from, it does not take long for me to realize the unpleasant truth – they all come from me…
But, Maaaam, so and so has one, why can't I have one?
But, Maaam, so and so does not have to do that, why do I?
But, Maaam, so and so can do that, why can't I?
A deep breath before I answer is the only sure remedy for not losing my patience with the incessant comparisons to others. I try to hard to explain that it is no use comparing oneself to others; that each person is unique, each family has its own special way, and that comparison only leads to dissatisfaction and malcontent. But, wait, who is calling the kettle black, I am trying to get Lukas and Noah to understand the danger of comparison, the results of measuring against others, of always looking for more. Yet, I myself so easily fall into this trap – my comparisons just seem 'more valid' but in reality they are no more justified than the ones that Lukas and Noah so eloquently present to me. God is using all available methods to teach me to be content in the moment and in my current circumstance. In some ways, the boys are the most effective teacher as my desire is to not perpetuate malcontent into the next generation, and they learn so well by example. Another baby step….
2 comments:
Hi Christina! I can so relate to your comments today. I hear it 100 times a day. It's quite distressing to hang out with Claire and her friends -- they sit around comparing who has how many of what. It is a natural thing to do, but we parents have to stick together and emphasize that life is a not a competition of aquiring stuff! Somehow I think that you're already miles ahead of the rest of us! love, Beth
"A child is born like a cup which is full of all goodness, strength and power - all intuition and wisdom and kindness are in him. He's full right up to the very brim with what he needs, with what makes him good. You can't give it to him, he already has it. There's no more room, he's already perfect. He's full. Your job as his parent, the most important thing you can ever do for him, is to make sure you don't spill a drop." (sic) Maxine Parent
Maybe you find this applicable, maybe not, but as a loving parent, you are simply being mindful of those influences which would tip that cup. You are providing balance and perspective to your child's world. MRAC
Post a Comment