Limitations

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.