Student becomes teacher

Not often does a person have the ability to honestly and humbly admit when something moves them. More often than not, that person will find some justification in taking credit for something that happened, regardless of "who" helped make it happen at all. 

No. We adults sometimes find it difficult admitting somethings - and our kids teaching us - being one of them. However, I have recently had the priviledge of my child becoming the teacher when it comes to my level of patience. 

That's right! Patience. She taught me, and now I'm going to teach you! 

As adults in the fast-paced world we live in, patience truly is a virtue and for many, myself included, it is virtue that is sometimes out of reach. For instance, when I'm ready to go, something slows me down. When I'm finished with something, it is pointed out someone still needed it. And heaven help me when I'm at the store for a few "quick" things... 

Three hours later...

Our Kelley helped me realize that it isn't the speed in which you go that tells others what you've accomplished. It's how well you navigate the water while you searching for your goal! Long story short...

Today, we ventured to our local favorite eating locale for a southern lunch. Pork chops, fried catfish, okra, meatloaf, salad bar, dessert bar... You name it! We do not go out to eat often but when we do - this is the spot we can always enjoy. After lunch, I knew I needed to run to Wal-Mart for a quick minute. I had a list with 5 little things on it - and all in the same location, too! I was ready. By my calculations, I should be in the store for no longer than 17 minutes. 

Then Jesus pumped the brakes! 

After pushing through several crowds of people (Saturday's are family/school/church/singles reunion day, I swear!), I found the five little items on my list. But then the funniest thing happened. 

Our little one needed to use the restroom. We had walked all the way up to the front of the store to check out and that's when it happened. I could feel my blood pressure rising, knowing I would now have to fight the line at the bathroom, the wrestling match with the water faucets (those auto-sensored ones that you practically have to beg for a little water), and the gaggle of women who work at the store, but are hiding out in the bathroom. 

Yep. I was in hell. And Satan was bugging me. 

It wasn't long after this that I discovered what God meant. He wasn't going to give me patience. He was going to give me the opportunity to be patient. We get in the stall (finally) and to my surprise, the toilet was filthy. Did this person actually miss? I mean, how do you make that huge of a mess and walk out as prim and proper as she just did? Really? 

I want you to image the worst toilet experience ever. This was our experience. After politely walking back out of the stall, I briefly explained to the others who were standing about playing on their phones that this particular stall needed attention. 

Another flush... wait... excuse me... enter... sigh. At least it's usable. Kelley fumbled with her pants and finally go them down. She did her business... for what seemed like eons. In reality it was only about 5 minutes. But that was five minutes more than I wanted to deal with. 

Wal-mart does this to me. I get frustrated when I have to be in the store longer than necessary. But I waited. Then we fought with the faucets to wash up. Then the towel dispenser to dry off. But finally, FINALLY, we could leave the bathroom and this horrible store. 

Oh, really?! Yeah, I was setting myself up for failure if I thought it would be that easy. We venture quickly toward the exit, only to pass right by several people we know, who of course, spot us and motion us over. While trying to get the hell out of there, I couldn't resist the opportunity to show my children how we should approach a conversation while out in public. I put on a smile, begin with the "Hi, how ya'll doin? It's been a while, hadn't it?" rhetoric, while inside, my mind is screaming, "Go. Just go."

After a few minutes, my husband gives me the look. The kind that says, "alright. I've heard you gripe long enough. Now, I'm ready to go, so let's go." I caught on real quick. I excused our family and away we went. 

It wasn't until we were at home where I could breathe a sigh of relief that my daughter comes up to me and says this: 

"Mommy, why were you rushing me, but not in a hurry to get away from your friends?"

**BAM** Like a sheet of paper, she tore my heart. But it was really myself that tore it. I allowed her but seconds to use the bathroom, yet I could stand there and chat like all was fine with the world. You see, things are just perfect when it's something we are OK with. But if it throws a kink in our plans, we get all bent out of shape. 

From this mom to you, slow down. Nothing is more important than teaching our kids the value of patience. Even if it means we have to learn it first! 

Ciao, 
LaVonda