Extra Grace Required
Barren but Blessed – Trusting God with the Rest
Slow Down
My youngest son is an enigma. He’s logic paired with extreme emotion and quirky paired with excessive routine. He’s smart, funny and as frustrating as he is endearing. I can say all of this because it’s true and because I’m his mother. I love him fiercely, without question, yet he still leaves me shaking my head at times wondering what just happened.
I shake my head, but I secretly love the way his brain works. It’s eye opening and always makes me double think the way I say and do things. Recently, I didn’t think hard enough, though, because I left him confused and he left me shaking my head with a chuckle.
After VBS, I took the kids to lunch at a restaurant and while we were waiting, a group of servicemen walked in and were seated at a nearby table. The kids started talking about them and I took the opportunity to discuss how we should always thank servicemen. They do a very dangerous job and keep us safe. After the boys were redirected from an obsession with the big guns they carry, the conversation turned and we decided that as a token of appreciation we were going to buy their lunch. As a whole, everyone was excited for this special surprise, but my youngest son was becoming visibly antsy. As I’m asking what is wrong, he pleads, “Mom, I don’t want to buy their lunch. Don’t do it. I won’t like their lunch!”
Oh, son ….
After I bite my tongue, nearly drawing blood, so I wouldn’t giggle, I assured him that we weren’t going to take and eat their lunch. We were just going to pay for it as a surprise. I’m honestly not sure if he internalized any of the kindness or gratitude I was trying to instill that day, but I do know he’s never been more excited to see his plate of noodles show up at the table!
From daily ‘costume’ changes to lunchtime concerns this child is a constant reminder to slow down. Slow down and enjoy life. Slow down and choose your words wisely. Slow down and embrace the unique you God created.
I spend a lot of time shaking my head … and slowing down.
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