I’ve learned many things from my children. For example, potty training the day after the
Super Bowl (meaning my children were up late) is not the best of plans. Also, ABC (read, already been chewed) dental
floss is a tasty treat, especially when dug out of the trash.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned from my children,
though, is a lesson in my limitations.
Before I was married, I envisioned a blissful 1950’s-television-perfect
family life. I would have supper ready
for my husband when he walked in the door, with well-behaved, clean children
eagerly greeting him. They would bask in
his attention until bedtime and peacefully drift to sleep after Bible story
time.
As the examples in my introduction may have indicated to
you, my family life is not so sublime.
We’re no reality t.v. family waiting for the Super Nanny to come rescue
us (although, in my moments of despair, I wonder what people would think if we
were broadcast nation-wide). But, most
mornings I can be heard telling my children, “Mommy needs your help so we can
make it to school on time.”
When I think of all the things that don’t get done, all the
things I can’t do for my kids and all the good intentions left in the planning
stage, the more I understand why God gave us the gift of family. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, God talks to us
about the different gifts he has given the members of his church. But, I think that applies to families as
well. We don’t all have the same
abilities or talents, but God has given us each other to help fill in the
differences and help us to work together as a whole.
When I was growing up, my parents made sure my siblings and
I were all familiar with work. In fact,
there was a time in our lives we were known as “E-manual labor.” But having jobs, whether at home or at church
and school, made us feel important. And
I want to pass that same feeling of importance on to my children. I let them know, as young as they are, that
what they do helps make our family run smoothly.
Sometimes, it would be easier for me to just pick up their
toys, to clear their spots at the table, to pick up their clothes after them or
tidy up their room. But when they know
that they can do those things (and more) on their own they are proud of their
accomplishments and are more willing to help out again, even without being
asked. And (usually) when they help out,
I have a saner day.
Of course there are still days when I just want to get the
job done and so I do it myself. And
sometimes they pick the WORST times to decide to help unasked (like when we’re
running late for church). But I try to
find jobs that everyone can do so they can be a part of our family.
