And so the proclamation of independence is uttered: "No." This small blonde boy, on the coldest morning we have had at 14'C in the kitchen - and a scant 10'C outside - is determined that he will be just fine without a jersey today at school. We are some of the few in our country who have warm clothes for cold days. I'd prefer him to wear his jersey.
Challenges come in different ways and at inopportune times. Reactions matter. Personally, I felt like pushing him into the courtyard and leaving him there for a few minutes to help him develop an appreciation for his jersey. Mommy-instinct wanted to prevent the cold and sniffy nose that will almost inevitably be coming later this week if I did that. The authoritarian parent in me wanted to shout at him and force him to comply.
The issue for me lies so much deeper. How do I raise children who have an appreciation of all they have? The Lego strewn across the floor, beds, clothing, a gas heater and even breakfast. Our largesse. For which I am thankful every single day.
To bring about change, I cannot be authoritarian on some (most) of my children's choices. Not if I want to raise thinking adults. I will hold the line on non-negotiables like danger, family identity, schooling and the things that are formational. However, too often I find myself pulling my children's train in the smaller things. I want them to realise that THEY are responsible for their own lives in the choices that they can make now.
So my mommy-moment (ROAR) this morning around jerseys... was a possible learning moment lost.
God, help me, help us, to recognise the learning moments of life where we can empower or disempower those around us. Help us to pull our own trains, and like Jesus, walk the extra mile WITH others, not carrying them.
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