Toddler Teachings

My husband and I recently found ourselves in the thick of raising a 2-year-old toddler. It seems like yesterday our son was just 6 months old learning to crawl and now he is a very active little boy whose favorite word just happens to be “NO!” I’m not sure what it is about little boys but they seem to come into this world without fear. Whether it’s flipping off the couch, running down our driveway, trying to jump in the deep end on his very first pool experience, or attempting to climb on every piece of furniture we own; he does it with gusto! Needless to say, this sweet boy keeps us on our toes. Because we care about our son’s well-being and desire to be good parents we redirect his energy, constantly say “sit on your bottom” and “no you cannot run into the street!” Although he does not fully understand the consequences of his actions, we as his parents do. We recognize when things are unsafe and could result in serious injury so we put up boundaries for his good and his protection. Does he enjoy this? Goodness NO! He usually cries, resist, and tells us in his toddler language how much we are ruining his life; or at least that is what I imagine he is saying.

I often think to myself if he could just see that we are doing these things because we LOVE him and we want to keep him SAFE! Then he would be grateful and tell us thank you instead of having a toddler meltdown. Then one day it hit me; how often is God orchestrating things for my good and my protection, and instead of being obedient and grateful I feel deprived, act selfishly, and throw a toddler tantrum? I will tell you, too often!

Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Trust and submit are not passive words, they require action on our part. The day I committed my life to Christ I made a vow to not only trust Him for my salvation but also the direction of my life. Each day I wake up I must acknowledge that I do not know what is best and give Him COMPLETE reign over my heart, desires, and daily walk. Sweet friend, we are limited when it comes to what is best in our lives. There are things we are unable to see and have a full understanding of; only God is fully capable of that because only HE is omniscient. Hebrews 13:8 tells us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” His omnipotent character, unfailing love, and trustworthy promises do not shift with the wind or our circumstances. HE is a good Father who delights in His children (Psalm 149:4a) and He desires good things for His children who love Him (Romans 8:28). Before I married my first husband there were warning signs that presented themselves in our dating relationship. Manipulation, controlling behaviors, verbal abuse...there were times my heart felt anything but at peace. The Holy Spirit had attempted to get my attention, but I did not want to listen. My Heavenly Father knew the dangers that would present themselves in that marriage and He wanted nothing more than to protect me, but I decided I knew best. Thankfully Jesus did not leave me there in the wreckage of my unwise choices. He, being a good Father, rescued me; but not without some deep hurts, bruises, and very sobering lessons along the way. Although not what He intended, He still used that part of my life for my good and His glory; because that is the nature of who our God is. Becoming a parent is one of those things that teaches you, humbles you, grows you, and if we are completely honest, probably makes you realize how much grief you caused your parents. For me, the most important thing being a parent is teaching me, is about the love, wisdom, and discipline of my Heavenly Father. Sweet friend, I don’t know what you may be facing at this present moment, but I do know a good Heavenly Father who wants nothing more than for you to trust Him to lead you; experiencing the green pastures, still waters, and paths of righteousness only He can provide.