Perspective

Praying for perspective is a scary thing to do. I wish I would have known that prior to the attempt. I suppose I should have known, it's like praying for patience, which I still don't have the courage to do. I suppose I should just do it and hopefully get it over with, but, like with bungee jumping, I'm just not ready for it.

I've been running late a lot lately, usually do to things beyond my control--like a temper tantrum (OK, sometimes my own and I should control that), a child unwilling to put her clothing on, or events like this AFTER everyone is dressed:



Yes, that is body cream. Nice and thick. So, bath round 2 had to occur before leaving the house that morning. At least I was in a good enough mood to take pictures. Parenting has definitely given me a different perspective on life. I've had to learn to let my children make choices, even when they negatively effect the rest of the family. That's hard to do. Like when one child refused to leave behind a game they were playing, so we all missed the bus, which meant no library trip. The other two were devastated, and we parents were also disappointed. Of course, that child was upset, too. Their choice had made us all sad. I suppose I could have stepped in and said I'd drive us there, but the lesson wouldn't have been as poignant. Ahh, parenting.

However, the most important lesson for me came while driving. I was sitting at a red light, first in line. I'm not usually one to jump the gun, but I do like to get going again. As I was sitting at the light, it turned green, and I completely had a stupor of thought. I was supposed to be going forward, but it was like I forgot I was the one driving for a second. Right as I realized I could go, a car coming from the other direction zoomed quickly past, running the red light. It would have creamed us had I gone when the light turned green. I was grateful for the pause in thought, for the inability to move for a few seconds. Ever since then, I've been wondering...how many times, when things have gone wrong, and set me back, has it been for a good cause--maybe even saving my life? How many amazing blessings have been given to my family that I don't even realize have occurred? Blessings in disguise?

You do get what you pray for, even if in unexpected ways.