Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

The title of this post, Raising Grateful Children in an Entitled World, is a fantastic book recently written by Kristen Welch. I have been on the launch team for the book, helping with promotion. As I've read through the book I realized this book of wisdom and eloquent prodding is exactly what I need in my parenting repertoire. It has brought to light something I knew existed, but had never faced head on with my children. 

A few nights ago we pulled up to eat at a favorite place- Zaxbys. As soon as we turned in the parking lot my middle starts in with the complaints. I attempt to nip it in the bud early on so the family can peacefully enjoy our chicken dinner, but to no avail. My efforts were sidelined when while pulling Baylor out of her car seat we discovered she has poop all the way up her back. Fun times I tell ya. I turn around, realizing I am about to change my baby girls diaper on a public changing table that likely has had lines of cocaine on it and find my middle has tears welling up in his eyes because he has to "eat at this disgusting place" (He hates chicken. Who does he belong to anyway?) My patience had juuuuuust about run its course at this point and I instructed said child to pull it together. Simultaneously I am hurrying to change Ms. Poop Back who has poop literally wrapped around her waist like a belt. Is this real life? Also, the floors had apparently been sprayed with cooking grease because I was sliding everywhere. It was a sight folks. Middle child continues to decompensate crying "it's so unfair. I need to play a game on your phone. I hate chicken." Did I mention we were en route to DISNEY WORLD??? The most MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH? I seriously felt like I had failed as a mother. But, he is an emotional, tired 5 year old so I try to give him (and myself) a break. The tug of war between wanting to give my child the world and raise him to be grateful continues. 

One of my favorite quotes by Kristen in the book "Raising Grateful Children in an Entitled World is "it takes consistent teaching for kids to know we aren't owed happiness all the time". So, now that you're in love, go ahead and get it! Available everywhere!

His voice over the hand dryer

Today I was in a store and a young child got locked in the bathroom alone. The mother left her two other children and ran to her daughter- determined to get to the child, who was panicking. Apparently the mega hand dryer was running and the light had timed out, all adding to the visceral fear the child was experiencing. The mom called for an employee to come unlock the door and in the few seconds the child was still in the bathroom the mother kept saying, "you're okay. You're safe. I'm out here. Can you hear me? I'm here for you." Sure enough, the door opened and the mother and child embraced affectionately. The mother knelt down on one knee and said "did you hear me in there? I was talking to you. I was trying to help you all along even though it was dark and loud and you couldn't see me."  The little girl shook her head, she hadn't noticed her mothers voice at all when she was locked in the bathroom. The mother looked intently in the child's eyes and said "no matter what- always- I will come for you. I will protect you. I am here for you." It was about this time that I noticed my jaw hanging open in total awe of what I had witnessed. As I clasped my jaw shut a tear fell from my eye. 

How profound this interaction was! I couldn't help but think about the strong analogy between this and our interaction with our Father when life is loud, dark and we can't see His face. That's how life is 98% of the time right? All the while the Father is standing so close saying "you're okay. You're safe. Can you hear me? I'm here for you." 

I'm reminded of the story in Luke 15 of the lost sheep. In the message it reads, "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”

This is our Christ, our Savior, Father to all.

Fighting Sleep

Tonight after church we drove through fast food and were rushing to get home. It was late for the kids for a school night and we were spent from the day. David managed getting the boys to bed while I took care of Baylor.  She has been fighting sleep lately; a phenomena I can't wrap my head around-- just go to sleep already! Tonight was different though; she resorted back to her sleepy baby ways and she began drifting to sleep while I rocked her. Not unlike any other night, she had clean pjs, a fresh diaper and a full belly. Oh the blessing to have those three things... but I'll save that for another post.  As I was rocking her she wiggled a bit- I had her cradled in my arms- so I shifted her and put her head on my shoulder. She snuggled her cheek right next to mine and I could feel her little eyelashes sweeping against my cheek. Mercy, it was sweet.  The whole time I kept thinking, "Wow, she's not fighting it tonight! She made this easy AAAAND a pleasure!"

During all of this I couldn't help but think of the spiritual implication- excuse me as I am sure this is not an original thought.  So many times I have fought back with God- determined to do it my way when the end result was the same, but the road could have been much easier. Similarly with my little babe fighting sleep; she will eventually get to sleep, but the process can be really exhausting when she fights it.  Just like I've felt with Baylor at times- I'm sure God has felt frustrated with me.

As Baylor did tonight, if we relax and lean in to God's leading, the rhythm of His grace will make us at perfect peace.

"At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, For you God, have put my life back together." Psalm 4:8