Oh, Spencer…God love him. We do, too. But wow. His two and a half years have been showing around these parts more times than I would prefer to see since I’ve really been dealing with obstinate toddlers for about five years now.
In the past 24 hours, he has swiped a lipstick out of my purse and colored on our bedroom walls, the hallway upstairs and Sarah’s room. Soon after he took it upon himself to grab a marker and add his creative flair to the wall of the stairs that’s visible as soon as you walk through our front door. Then somewhere along the line, he scribbled some green strokes on his white dresser.
“See this?” I ask his dimpled and grinning chubby face.
He nods.
“No more,” I state firmly. This mama means business, Mr. Two. Roar.
I do all of the positive parenting things I’m supposed to do so I don’t damage his heart in the long-run but seriously…
I’ve hit my wall art quota for now.
I explain that I love him dearly but I don’t love this behavior.
“You angry?” he questions.
“Yes. I’m angry, Spence. But remember that there is nothing you could do that would make mama not love you anymore,” I reply.
We move past it and hop in the Swagger Wagon so we can get to church for Bible study.
My three disperse as soon as we walk through the childcare door, anxious to see friends and begin their morning play. I do my mommy-thing of signing everyone in and turn to give kisses.
I find Spencer at the top of the Playskool slide and we are eye-level.
“Bye, Bubby. I love you,” I say as I pucker my lips to give him a kiss.
What he did next was so completely unexpected that it took me a minute to recover after it had occurred.
Instead of turning his pudgy little cheek to free some space for me to plant one on him, he gave me a wet, two year old kiss square on the lips.
He then pulled his head away and wearing a goofy grin said, “I love you more, Mommy!”
And after I giggled a bit at the hilarity of his ability to catch me off-guard, I felt a nudge in the spirit.
“That’s how I love you, too” He said. This was not from Spencer.
Last week, I was a bit upset with God. A little impatient. Never to the point of bitterness, oh no. But just as we have moments of frustration and anger with anyone we know well, we are going to have moments with God when we just want to throw our hands up and say “Really? Are you seriously kidding me?”
Much like the moment I had with Spence just that morning.
And God? He plants a big wet kiss on us every time. He reminds us that His ways are not our ways. He nudges us to remember Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. He reaffirms that His M.O. is to refine us so intensely that we are as close to Jesus-like as we can possibly be.
I sit back and receive the kiss. I listen to His words.
And I plant another one on the little face that makes me see and hear Him every single day.
lol…..i had that same sort of 24 hours with my 3 year old. and then last night as he went to bed, he said the sweetest bedtime prayer….thanking God for his mommy, and then giving me a “fish face kiss”. i couldn’t help but forgive the lad! i am so thankful that my God will forgive me a hundred time better and a hundred time faster when i am acting up too….i’ve had a rough week and it’s comforting to know that no matter what, HE is with me :)
THere is nothing better than moments like this….they can melt your heart in half a second can’t they?
I think I love this kid!
Marlece
I have a theory that God made children so adorable to preserve the species :)
Mine is 3 and a half and he is like yours, mischievious. But both him and his big sister manage to teach me more about God and his love for us than I have ever learned in church or Bible study. They are truly a gift!
Absolutely precious, honey!
It never ceases to amaze me how He woos us with this amazing, intense love of His.
I have a very similar “art” story involving lipstick. Except the canvas was not the wall (that would have been easier). My two little ones had gotten a hold of my entire make-up bag and were experimenting with all its contents on my bed (pillows, sheets, comforter, etc.). They even managed to try out red lipstick on the carpet too. This mama bear was equally not happy (surely not my finest moment). The sheets were cleanable, but I’m afraid I still have stains (they’re grey now, not red) on the carpet as reminders of their “fun” adventure. In hindsight, I wish I had taped the “mascara massacre” because I’m sure it wold be funny now (several years later…). LOL! :)
What a sweet (and artistic) little boy! My “baby” just turned 26 and my first born will soon be 30. The good news – and the bad news – is that two only happens once. You have made me laugh and cry all at the same time. You obviously treasure the right things AND you are going to be so very glad someday that you are writing these moments down.
Thank you, Natalie, for your words and candor. I now see why last night was so trying! Oh, these boys of ours! May the Lord give us wisdom and grace, much grace. Thanks for your prayers this morning. You are an God-given encouragement to me!
You are an amazing writer. This may become my therapy when my crazy boys are more than I can handle. Thanks for the inspiring words.
I loved this. Moments of grace from the Holy Spirit–nudging us to tell us something. I also like what you mention about being a little upset with God. Isn’t He amazing that he allows us to (just like Jacob) wrestle with Him. He is our Father, our Heavenly Father but He is also our best friend.
p.s. I am sorry, my friend that I have been MIA for so long. It’s hard for me to find the time these days to read all the blogs I love. I got your note the other day and it was good to see you and warmed my heart.
God bless you and your beautiful family.
Love, Caroline
My post was a lot like this too…but I like you story a lot better. God does plant a bit old kiss on us just when we need it! I have been really impatient too…thank you for your words!