It made me think about all the times I’ve gotten frustrated when they are just having a good time. Usually, I am the only one who gets annoyed. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are boundaries, but basket wearing isn’t a criminal offense; so, why do I get frustrated?
Is it because I am embarrassed?
Or maybe I have things I need to get done, and they are interfering.
Maybe I am tired, and have “used up” all my patience for the day.
Whatever the case- the cause is always ME. Not them. I am the reason I am frustrated.
I am reminded that Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not seek its own. It’s not selfish. Godly love never runs out. When my patience “runs out,” it is usually because I am being selfish. When I get frustrated, I am being selfish. By God’s design, Motherhood, beginning with conception, is the exact opposite of selfishness. For ten long months you shared your body with another human being; sometimes they were nice to you. If you breastfed, you continued sharing after they were born. If you ever were really looking forward to eating something, and then sacrificed it to your kids... if you have ever scrubbed throw up off their clothes, or gone days without “me time”... if you have ever sat up at night waiting for them to come home and made those hard decisions you knew were for their good, even if they hated you for it...you know that motherhood is rooted in sacrifice. In servant hood. The opposite of selfishness. Now, let’s keep our priorities straight- I am not saying we worship our kids. We worship God, and we serve Him by laying our lives down and loving our kids the way He commands us to love them in His word. (This DOES NOT mean letting them do whatever they want and walk all over us.)
When I think about motherhood, the way God intended it to be, I know that I need to grow. I need to be less selfish and love more.
Maybe I’ll start by putting a basket on my head and taking a lap too.