I can't stand should-have-been-amazing movies now unwatchable because of the never ending swearing.
I hate cold food, that was intended to be served hot.
I am sickened by my overgrown cuticles.
I loathe flossing.
But one thing I truly despise is hearing parents yelling at their children. I am not referring to life saving screams of "Watch out!" before little feet hit the car bound pavement. Or the life training rebukes in raised tones of "You do not speak to me in that manor, young lady." (Thank you, Dad.)
The yelling, that as you listen and watch the scene, you can see the child's face fall in despair.
I had managed an outing with my two kidos this past week to Hobby Lobby for craft inspiration and time passing. Cosette asleep in the Becco carrier and Rafferty sitting in the cart's seat, pointing endlessly at the lights and exclaiming long "ooooohhhhhh"'s. As we weaved in and out of each craft filled aisle, we heard an angry mom letting out steam.
Her words were as follows:
"Knock it off!"
"You are driving me crazy, stop it!"
"Shut up, I'm talking!"
"Leave it. Move! Move!"
This continued for several minutes. All I heard from the small child were cries of "Mommy!". When our paths crossed in an aisle, I saw the little boy standing, arms stretched out to his mother, desperately wanting to be comforted. He may as well have been crying to a wall. He was clearly not going to be embraced by this woman.
What impacted me the most was my fifteen month old son reacting to these despairing words. He would turn his head to find the sound with each exclamation and frown, understanding something was not right.
I do not know if this woman was having the worst day of her life. I do not know if her son has been misbehaving, or maybe his presence alone was just too much. But I do know that his face was pleading for attention and comfort.
I am learning (having two babies in thirteen months will help one learn) how hard patience can be to come by. Self control seems a mythical super power, certainly not something attainable by me, in this impossible situation. Yet knowing how our Heavenly Father views children, my children, I am given what I need to close my mouth and open my arms.
How easy it is to yell and tear down in times of stress. How life giving instead, to hold tight and instruct. Comfort first, then speak truth. God meets us when we need comfort, disciplines us in love, and is everlasting arms held fast. May I reflect these attributes to my own children so they may grow knowing His character.
you're an amazing mom.
ReplyDeletethis is so true!
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