Wednesday, June 13, 2007

The Head Lifter

Lately, there seems to be A LOT of drama around these parts. Several times a day I hear screaming that convinces me someone is in real danger or serious pain. I dash to the source to find that it stems from frustration not danger. I am amazed at the ridiculous things that cause my children (especially P) to "lose it." A ball not going in the basket, a tangled balloon string, a lost toy, puzzle pieces not fitting together--each of these occurrences can elicit a response of agony.

P is the chief offender. Although he has progressed AMAZINGLY with his muscle tone issues, some more complex fine motor skills lead him to tremendous frustration. His capacity for frustration is very, very low. I have tried to teach him to take a deep breath before losing it...but this has only been mildly successful.

Yesterday, P was upset because he could not make his hands do the sign for "I love you" like K was doing. I have learned that getting down on his level and looking in his eyes is the best way to redirect him from his overwhelming frustration. As I knelt down beside him and used my hand to lift his chin so we would be eye to eye, I was reminded of Psalm 3:3:

"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."

I LOVE that image. Our heavenly Father gently lifting our heads, so we can see His face and be freed of the distraction of our overwhelming frustration with "life stuff." Once free of the distraction, we can hear what He wants to say to us. We can breathe. We can regain some perspective.

As I kneel down, I am reminded of the God of the Universe coming down to our eye level, in sending His Son to live among us.

I am so thankful for a loving heavenly Father, who takes the time to lift my head...when I know my frustrations are often as silly in the grand scheme of things as those of my 3 year olds. He is patient. He is kind. He loves me right where I am--but He loves me too much to leave me there.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great thought to start my day! Thanks again,D

Leah said...

That really is a sweet mental image - mommy getting down to look the child in the eye while gently lifting their chin. Adorable!! Enjoy those precious days before they grow up and are taller than you!

Deidre said...

What a great analogy of that verse. I love that passage. It's one of my favorites. The Brooklyn Tabernace Choir sings a BEAUTIFUL song to this psalm. I sing it when I recall this verse and need some encouragement. You'll find it on the "Amazed Live" CD. It is wonderful!

Thanks for sharing.

Renee said...

I'm really amazed at how you are able to relate almost every situation you encounter with your kids to a lesson to learn from the scripture. That's something we can all learn to do. Thanks for always sharing your lessons learned.

Pam said...

Wow! I have been reading and hearing this verse all over the place in the past couple days.

I used it specifically this morning with my Sweetcheeks as she was fitted for a cast at the orthopaedic office in town. She was encouraged in the hearing, and I was "lifted up" in the telling.

Thanks so much for your perspective, Jmom. You are truly a kindred spirit.

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Amen, amen, amen...our pastor opened up prayer tonight before midweek service and used that verse as part of his hope for all of us! Was just thinking of you and wanted to share...