As a child I marched along my merry way, not really thinking about adults and their feelings. I was more interested in riding my bike, roller skating (which I just did again on Sunday and oh my, forgot how much FUN it is to skate!), and swimming. I didn’t think about all the things my parents had to do, much less their feelings.
My children are no different. About a week ago they, along with another friend, were goofing off in the living room, making light conversation about me. Simple words, not intended to harm. Words that were just words to them. I laughed it off with them, hurried them to the car and off to school we all went.
But as the day went on I kept thinking about the little things they said and it stung a little. They didn’t mean to hurt me, in fact, they didn’t even realize I was bothered.
I finally said something. I told Matt first, just because I needed to get it off my chest. He challenged our kids to think about what they had said and then to write a list of things they liked about me. (Can I just say how awesome it is to have such a defender for a husband?!)
That night Caroline came to me with a list. And I have it posted on my bulletin board to remind myself of why I do what I do.
And my kids, well, I think that for one brief moment, they realized that this mommy has feelings that can get hurt too!
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
that is so precious, thanks for sharing
catching up on your blog. That is precious. what a gift you received in that list. You better keep that one forever.
And, I think it is SO good for our kids to realize we have feelings and are people too. I don’t mean burden them with every adult struggle…but to show them our feelings and then how we deal with them. Ask for forgiveness when dealing with our feelings gets ugly.
I’ve asked my kids for prayer before on a rough day…