Wow...life with two is definitely an adjustment! Josie is having a hard time, as she has come to the realization that she is not the center of the universe! As most people tell me this is normal, and that I should expect for her tantrums to last about three weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it will be more like a lifetime.
Two days ago, Josie wanted to take a picture of Charley. Which, I thought was so cute and a great idea, so I offered to help her, since she can't really work the camera all by herself. However, it is difficult for a two-year-old to understand that he or she needs HELP to do anything, let alone something they have set their will to do. So, the battle began.
Josie began to hold on to the camera with all her might, while screaming at the top of her lungs. I calmly urged her to let me help her with the camera, so we could take the picture together. However great an idea this seemed to me, she had other ideas, and simply continued screaming, throwing in a growl or two in my general direction. Disgusted at her attitude, I decided that taking a picture was a very BAD idea after all, and took the camera away.
Unfortunately for Josie (and for me as well), she did not appreciate this change in plans. She made her thoughts very clear, as she continued to scream louder, hitting me with violent thrusts, and then throwing herself to the floor. Wow.
After multiple forms of discipline, she finally calmed down enough for us to understand one another--or at least for her to understand me; I understood her PERFECTLY--she is a sinner. But, I had to remind her that I am a picture of the Law.
Later, as I retold the days event to Chuck, he simply said, "Now you know how God feels."
He is so right. How many times does God offer wisdom through others and His Word to me, and I refuse to listen, trying to accomplish things in my own strength. My selfishness and pride cause me to be disobedient--and then I must be disciplined. If only I would obey the Lord in the first place, everything would be as it should be. Wow. I never thought that a horrible day with a two-year-old would become a Spiritual lesson for me.
3 comments:
O man...that's one thing I Love/Hate about raising children...God or Tim often use their attitudes and behaviors to show me how sinful I am.
Raising kids is HARD, but hang in there, as you know, it is very rewarding and sanctifying ;)
Just when you think you can't handle a particular attitude/behavior ANY LONGER and all your friends are praying for you...you turn around and you say...o, ya, i was really having a hard time with his/her attitude and now it's not happening anymore ;)
Break the will now! Or else Josie will end up like me, and carry that strong will into marriage! I find that my heart isn't really that different: I have desires, and I get angry when people (righteously) thwart my plans. My temper tantrums often aren't much more sophisticated than hers--because my heart isn't much more sanctified! (Okay, so I don't lay down on the ground and yell, but even adults have ways of throwing fits, eh?)
love the updates! i can totally relate to this balancing a two year old and a newborn! it seems like jacob only starts pushing limits when i'm sitting down nursing the baby!
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