A Full-Time Opportunity

"Oh no, Mama! A bug!"

With overwelming enthusiasm, she anounced the worst: a bug, a tiny beetle, was roaming the floor. It breached our walls, and I assumed it had grand plans of a reproductive attack, so I squashed the worry with a paper towel. My daughter's eyes were wide and ever too observent. A second later, I contemplate whether I committed some travesty or, at the mininum, desensitized my toddler to the overarching concepts of life, death, and mercy. A humane approach couldn't hurt, I assume. Next time I'll try the paper plate trick and send it soaring into the rose bush. At the very least, she'll be entertained by it.

Ever on the look out, another opportunity approaches. These days she understands much, and very little, of sharing. Her younger sister, far different in manner but identical in feature, is anxious to reach, to discover, to play. At first these intentions were discouraged, but now they are strictly fobrbidden by the first born. In under five seconds: a protest, a tug, a shriek, a few tears. Behaviorism will eventually unveil sour hearts, so I focus on the root issue: sin. I proclaim a short bit containing Jesus' word, love, and kindness. At two and a half years, an apology surfaces after a mimicked prayer is spoken. I glance at the clock and realize 7 minutes has elapsed, and the faucet was left running.

Later, a scientific discovery ensued in the kitchen. Air and liquid together equal a bubbling inferno, and laughter. The experiment ends with apple juice coating the tile and wood work. Frustration and utter annoyance exits my mouth. She is confused, she cries; I recognize my error, I am humbled. I lower to eye level, "Mama is sorry for getting angry and yelling." Pathetically, she replies, "Josie sorry for angry yelling." I smile and squeeze my child, politely correcting her. Together we soak up the sticky spilled mess.

Examples of opportunities embraced. To each one that is embraced, many more have passed by when I am too busy to take notice, too hurried to pause, and frankly, to lazy to care.

Minute-by-minute interactions containing Dr. Seuss, wooden cookies, and tea parties. Countless episodes of tickle monster, hide-and-seek, and playing house. Hidden in the entertainment lie moments to be savored. Moments to pray for guidance as I guide my children. Moments to pray for forgiveness when my sin is directed on them. Moments to pray for the patience necessary to parent.

Each day contains lessons in parenting.

Lessons in life.

May God help me embrace my children each day with undistracted love.