Children, Train Up Your Parents

I know that I will have a lot to teach Emmeline one day. The inevitable day will come when she learns to talk, and in addition to all the I-love-you-Mommy's come the you-can't-make-me's and the i-do-it-myself's and of course the simple "no". It may be short, and sweet, but oh, so much rebellion comes packed into those two little letters! However, these days, even though I am supposedly bigger, stronger, and smarter than little Emmeline, I find more and more that it is she who is teaching me.

She teaches me to be a morning person. Every day I get her out of bed and she is happy, alert, and has a huge smile on her face. She did not get that from either of her parents! Speaking for myself, I almost always wake up grouchy--at least I used to. In order to keep up with her, I am learning to get up earlier and with a better attitude. It's still a struggle, but that is when Emmeline most wants to have quality time with me, and if she can give me her best at 6:00 am, then I should be able to give her my best as well.

She reminds me to keep my priorities straight. This is also one of the blessings of being a working mother. If I have to choose between dishes, or family, I've decided to choose family every time--or at least until we run out of dishes. I have 30 minutes in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening, and she is growing up fast. Life is too short to spend it all on chores. Our house may be a disaster, but please excuse the mess--I'm making memories.

Emmeline shows me joyful contentment in action. Emmeline has been blessed with a closetful of clothes and toys, but how is she happiest? In her diaper, being held by Mommy or Daddy. Instinctively, she knows that people are more important than things. This is something I could do well to remember the next time I grow dissatisfied with the items in my closet. I pray this is something she doesn't grow out of--or worse, something I train out of her with my tendencies towards materialism.

Emmeline also demonstrates childlike faith to me. She can't talk yet, but the way she looks at Josh and I says, "I trust you completely." If that isn't proof enough, then watch the way she tries to climb, leap, or roll out of our arms. She has no fear--she knows that whatever happens, Mommy or Daddy will catch her. It's both an awesome blessing and a huge responsibility to be on the receiving end of faith like that.

I have to admit I sometimes wonder at the idea that I'm supposed to be the mature one. There I stand, pettily complaining about rude customers at work, or the lack of sweets in our pantry, and Emmeline cries out to be held. She just wants her mommy, and she is satisfied. If only I longed for my Heavenly Father the way she longs for her parents, maybe I would be more content too.