Confession 223: Crazy Boy

When Israel was a child, I loved him,  and out of Egypt I called my son... I led them with cords of human kindness,  with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. Hosea 11: 1, 4

As a mother, I often worry about my children.  My boys are 3 and 5; very active, very curious, very "creative".  Some days I feel like I'm doing an okay job as a parent.  And then, there are the other days.  Lately, my 3 year old has been testing the limits of acceptability with his behavior.  Determined and defiant he must always do anything in the most difficult and challenging way possible following the path he has made rather than the path my husband and I would lay down for him.  The disciplinary measures that worked well with our 5 year old don't even cause my 3 year old to bat an eye.  We often joke that he will be lucky if we let him make it to age 4.  I know that God has made him strong and willful for a reason and that his determination will serve him well for some task in the future, but right now, it just makes me crazy!!  PLEASE Moms, tell me I'm not the only one!!!

I wonder, as I sit here telling my 3 year old to leave the new puppy alone for the umpteenth time this morning, if God himself doesn't have days where he just wants to throw his hands up with his stubbornly disobedient and rebellious children.  And why doesn't he?  He's the creator and source of all life.  He could just wipe us all out and start over again.  Likewise, I could place my 3 year old out on the lawn with a sign that says, "Free to a good home."  Believe me, I've been sorely tempted!!  But the truth is, for all of his challenging behavior, for all of his orneriness and "wildness", I love the little imp more than myself.  Because just as he is about to drive me over the edge he does something sweet and wonderful and beautiful that reminds me what a precious gift I have been given.

And, believe it or not, God thinks that you and I are his precious gifts as well.  He created us and loves us and wants us to love him.  He doesn't care how much money we make or how together we have it or how many times we screw things up or how many messes he has to clean up.  He just loves us and longs for us and wants to bless our lives.

Blessings and Peace,
Sara