Most parents remember the excitement of babies learning to shake a rattle, clap -- or walk! A child is so proud when he or she masters the balancing act and can forge ahead, draw a laugh, or entice a chase.
It's still cute when he or she thinks the discovery his own, when he follows your lead to share , or investigates at your prompting.
Then we HOPE that he will make friends, and we smile at our ingenious plots for "perfect" playmates.
In youth when an idea bombs, and mom or dad is blamed, we might have helped but often not.
In young adulthood, their own choices often hurt our children, especially if they suggest we should have made life easier. "You didn't have to do that, MOM!" Sometimes it's one more lesson for mom or dad, but sometimes it's time to take responsibility for intense pain. Divorce, financial pressure, sickness without good insurance. Life is tough, and we can't protect them anymore.
This week I again dealt with gratitude in discomfort. I want gratitude to be clearly seen in my life. But I've had struggles this week, and the reminders to go with.
Monday night I was sitting in SEA-TAC airport on a 6 hr wait between flights, after a 3-day cross-country jaunt and back, spent and frustrated at the inconvenience. Three hours in, a pleasant Vietnamese gentleman and wife arrived and he asked how I was. His gentle smile was inviting, so I sought his story. He had been a young military strategist during the Viet Nam war, escaping with wife and children to the US in 1975. Repeatedly he shared gratitude to be alive in the US. -- I had been continually complaining about my trivial inconvenience! He had joy in his sacrifice.
Two nights ago I was tired and frustrated with a computer re-format. Formats are uncomplicated but lengthy. Clicking, re-clicking, and waiting. The choice was made, but I was sullen with regret.
Twice in five days I was reminded hard times shouldn't be wasted; both times I flopped. I'm glad I was reminded.
Twice I was motivated to reach higher.
To learn from the moment.
To just savor the joy.
To accept the sacrifice.
I'm trying, with God's help!
10 years ago
