The other day while I was taking Tobias somewhere (he was in the front passenger seat), I went around a curve a little faster than I meant to and that universal motherly instinct came over me forcing me to extend my arm across Tobias's chest, as though that would keep him from flying out of the car.
He looked at me like I was a little crazy and asked why I always do that. He asked if I really thought that would save him. I told him, "No, it's just what every mother does even though it makes no sense whatsoever." Actually I think it is a great example of how we moms probably do a lot of things that make no sense but stem from our protective instincts for our young. It's so deep in there.
This year, I have prayed most weeks with a group of moms about whatever requests they might have. Almost every week, most of the requests have something to do with our children. It's been so nice for me to see that I'm not the only one who struggles with thinking that if I do this, and this, and this, my children will be protected when clearly that is not the case, especially as our kids are getting older and older. Many times our efforts to protect them are just like my arm shooting across my child when I'm driving. It feels good and natural to DO something, but it really is not what is going to help them. You have to put them in God's care because ultimately His protection is a whole lot stronger than your easily broken arm! Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to be able to experience the fierce, protective love a mom has for her children, though. And there are times when it is useful. Certainly, God gives it to us for a reason! I just have to remember when it's not helping anything...and when it's actually kind of...illogical.
Mother's Day/Father's Day/Valentine's Day, etc
Personally, I wish there was no such thing as any of the above holidays. Over the years, they all have started annoying me. Take Valentine's Day for instance, why can't we just celebrate our anniversary, or our husband's birthday? Why do we have to lob all of these expectations on each other for Valentine's Day, too? There are too many people who are depressed on Valentine's Day because they don't have a romantic interest, and there are too many wives who are disappointed with their husbands' forgetfulness or lame attempts on Valentine's Day. This is no reflection on Stuart. He does a better job with Valentine's Day than I do. Then, there's Mother's Day and Father's Day. Again, why is it not enough to celebrate our moms or dads on their birthdays or other random times? No offense to my mom. She's great. For me, though, I'd rather my children not have to worry with Mother's Day/Father's Day. One celebration for me a year is more than enough. On my birthday. Plus, I've just heard of many women who are very hurt on Mother's Day because they are infertile. That's probably my number one reason for not liking any of these holidays. I hate that not everyone can enjoy the celebrating, and instead, these holidays make some people more aware than ever that they don't have a romantic interest or they don't have a child. It's just not necessary. Bah Humbug.
Mad Woman
This week this guy let me in on a little secret about guys. He told me that when a woman is angry and starts communicating that anger to a guy, the guy won't respond well. He can't process or hear at all what the woman is saying. All he thinks is: "Mad Woman" and his brain turns off from there. That struck my funny bone, but I know from experience it is true! I've also read about an emotional weapon a woman can use for her benefit, and I know from experience it works! I don't try to use it, but sometimes it happens naturally. Maybe you can guess what it is, but I can't share it here because it's a secret. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment