feats of bravery
I'm trying my hand at an old favorite: babysitting. To tell you the truth, I've never been a huge fan of it. Actually, I'm not a huge fan of kids. I know, I'm such a terrible person! Honestly, I was worried when Will was on his way, because I thought I might not like him. But that turned out to not be a problem! And being a mom has helped me warm up a bit more to the rest of the children population. What's really helped me though, has been my calling in Primary. Looking back, what I learned most from my little class of 6 year olds was how to love them. How to be more comfortable with kids. Between that and my own humbling experience as a mother, I've learned to be more patient, more accepting and more loving. And now, I'm watching someone else's kid four days a week.
Needless to say, Will loves having a little playmate around. He was pretty sad yesterday when he woke up from his nap to find out that his friend had gone home. And it's been good because Monk is also learning how to share. How to apologize. How to be a friend. But really, there is so much that we can learn from our little ones. It's no wonder God admires them so much. They're innocent. They're enthusiastic. Their love has no bounds. All this time, I thought I was the one who was setting an example... So, I guess you could say that the lessons I'm learning from watching these two are worth it, in and of itself. And that's why each day I'm taking things in stride. *B
Needless to say, Will loves having a little playmate around. He was pretty sad yesterday when he woke up from his nap to find out that his friend had gone home. And it's been good because Monk is also learning how to share. How to apologize. How to be a friend. But really, there is so much that we can learn from our little ones. It's no wonder God admires them so much. They're innocent. They're enthusiastic. Their love has no bounds. All this time, I thought I was the one who was setting an example... So, I guess you could say that the lessons I'm learning from watching these two are worth it, in and of itself. And that's why each day I'm taking things in stride. *B
I have to say that I am the EXACT same way! It made me smile to read your post because the further I read the more I felt that some one out there totally knew the inner workings of my personality. I too was worried that I would not like Cade when he was born, that and the worry that he would be ugly were my biggest concerns while I was pregnant. It is amazing though how a little bundle can truly bring a whole new side out that you never imagine did or could exist.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that primary has helped you because I was just released from teaching RS and will now be teaching the new sunbeams. I have truly been worried, I havent started yet, that it would make me an even worse mom because I would be even more burned out. Thank you for your example and testimony that the Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes :) You are awesome!
I'm so glad you wrote that because I was the same way with the whole baby thing. And usually no one had ever felt that same way!!! You must be a youngest child because I think that may have something to do with it, who knows. Grace has completely changed my perspective on the whole kid thing- she's made me realize how special they are. Good thing for that! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cute picture! I really love what you wrote, because I feel the exact same way!! Really, I feel so much better after reading this, knowing someone else knows how I feel. I always knew I'd love my kids and being in primary definitely helps w/ other kids too. Kids just have such a sweet, strong spirit about them, that it makes you want to be a much better person. Kids allow us to see things from a much more trusting and true perspective. If that makes sense. It's so fun watching kids interact together too.
ReplyDeleteNope, I'm the oldest of three, and only girl! *B
ReplyDeleteHa ha, all the kid-haters are coming out now!
ReplyDeleteI also have never liked kids that much, but now I love my baby nephew, and I will probably also love my own kids (hopefully :)
I never once worried that I would not like my own kids, but I am not a "other's kids" person at all! I have been asked to babysit for ward or family members that work and I have always firmly told them to take a hike because I stay home for MY kids and no one else's! I am not very nice. You are much nicer than I am. You are an example for me!
ReplyDeleteSo very true! Kids also open our eyes to the simple things that we grown-ups have grown to ignore in life. They're amazing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the babysitting! :)
Although I never loved babysitting I have always thoroughly enjoyed children. I especially love to teach them. Sometimes the best gift for friends and family is to help out with watching other children. It helps us stretch and be charitable. Isn't it nice that we have wonderful opportunities like this to learn and grow?
ReplyDeleteChildren have always been amazing to me, (except for maybe when I was one, because I always wanted to be older). 'Grab the bull by the horns,' Beth. You're the sort of girl that when you set your mind on achieving a goal, it actually happens. So decide what you want to learn from your new snot-nosed companion (haha, sorry, couldn't resist!) and get to it, girl, because you will succeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! I feel better now. And braver. *B
ReplyDeleteI think your "journey" is a wonderful one. I have yet to confront a lot of the things that make me feel uncomfortable and I think you're great for recognizing, embracing, and proactivally working on those things. Sean had a similar nursery experience. Unlike me, who has five other siblings, he just has one older brother and NO prior experience with children (until nursery that is) ... he grew threw it and now it seems he can't get enough of the chillins. Horray for the bebes!
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