I really can't stay

The learning curve of parenting is an interesting one.

On Friday mornings before we walk out the door, Jory and Rowan must have their AWANA books and vests in hand. This Friday morning, no one could find anything. The Sparks vest Jory was playing with all week suddenly couldn't be found. He had no idea where his book or bag was. Rowan was walking around aimlessly so a search began. Time was ticking away and my frustration was rising. How many times do I say, "Put your AWANA stuff up."? How many times do I remind them to leave their books and vests on the stereo until they are needed the following week? UGH!

They roam around the house "searching" and Oma, now home for her very, very very long but well-deserved six week vacation, feeling the need to assist the "search" joins in. How are they ever going to learn to look for things or rather you know look under something to find what you're looking for, if she joins in? It's amazing how many things are found under other things. But I guess either Oma was getting frustrated from watching the "search" or felt they were too young to be looking for things, so she decided to help out which adds a whole new level of drama.

Yes, I know Jory's vest is on the table in the kitchen, Oma, but he just told me he looked in the kitchen for his vest so I'm keeping my mouth shut. On and on, they continued to "look" and my frustration level was out of control. Why can't they just listen and obey? Things would be so much easier if they did. Hmm, that sounds vaguely familiar.

I issued my ultimatum, if all the AWANA items weren't found by the time we walked out the door then no one was going to AWANA.

With Oma's help Jory found his stuff, but all Rowan found was Jory's old Cubbie book (so unfair they change those books every year). We got into the car and my announcement of no AWANA wasn't met with joy and cheer. But I had had it. Then I thought as I drove to work, I still have to drive to AWANA tonight to take Vandy. It wouldn't be fair to him to not be able to go just because his little cousins weren't following directions.

As the day continued, I wrestled with my decision. Did the punishment fit the crime? I talked to a fellow mother, who had BTDT, and she thought I might have been a little hasty with my punishment for a first time offense. It was like she was reading my mind. No wonder we're friends. So then the thoughts began, how do I go back on a consequence I had issued.

I picked the kids up and told them they could go to AWANA this time, but if they didn't put their AWANA things up properly after AWANA, the next time they wouldn't be allowed to go. Though from the reaction, I got the sense they had either forgotten what I said about going to AWANA or they had hoped I had forgot what I said.

So the lessons learned here:

1. Kids have short term memories or hope their parents do.

2. That sometimes cooler heads need to prevail before consequences are issued.

3. Wise friends who have older children rock!

4. Life would be so much easier, better, if we simply trust and obeyed...for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.