I love watching my daughter parent my one-year-old grandson. She’s a great mom – loving, kind, and patient. But of course challenges pop up constantly.
Recently for instance, Micah has been throwing a fit whenever something doesn’t go his way. And not just a pouty face with a few tears. These are lay down on the floor, kick your legs, and bellow fits.
For fun, she sent me a list of some things that set him off. (And by the way, I did get my daughter’s permission to share!)
Things she wouldn’t let him do:
- Grab the hot pot on the stove
- Pull an electrical cord out of the outlet
- Shut a door with his fingers in the hinges
- Dig in the trash can
- Pull the lamp off the table
- Lick the bottom of Dad’s shoes
- Suck on the acorn he found in the yard
- Tear a page out of her Bible
Things he did and then didn’t like:
- Pulled the stopper out of the tub and lost all the water
- Crawled under the ottoman and got stuck
Things she did he didn’t like:
- Shut the fridge door
- Shut the dishwasher
- Made him ride in his car seat
Even though Kelley acts completely in Micah’s best interest or to prevent unneeded destruction, he rebels. Kelley sighs; I laugh. (Nanas can do that.) But, Kelley is handling it well. Micah will soon learn that this kind of behavior is not productive.
Trying to Manipulate
When we were toddlers, most of us eventually learned that tantrums and fits were not acceptable behavior. Most of our parents did not fall for that kind of manipulation. We never allowed our children to manipulate us like that. So why do we still sometimes try it with God?
- God, if you’ll do this for me here, then I’ll obey you in that.
- If you’ll let me get away with this one time, I won’t ever do it again.
- I can’t believe you aren’t going to let me have that!
The Perfect Parent
God is the perfect, ultimate parent. He only acts in love toward us and for our good.
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that me may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:10-11, NIV
Whether God withholds something we want, stops something we’re doing, or does something we don’t like, we can fully trust that it’s for our good. Even if it seems painful at the time.
God is working for our spiritual health and eternal welfare. Yet sometimes we end up on the floor, kicking our legs, and throwing a fit. Wait… maybe that’s just me.
Don’t leave me hanging! Tell us about a time you threw a fit with God!
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