Potty Ponderings

This is yet another morning of potty training at our house. Another morning of soggy socks and a half-naked cutie running around the living room. Another morning of skipping, excitement, and popsicle rewards when he’s “produced.”

What’s different today, though, is that instead of just a potty and a little kid trying to “get it”, I’m seeing myself. How many areas of maturity have I resisted and messed up and taken forever to get a handle on?

My little boy struggles to coordinate pulling off his airplane underwear and sitting down in time, but I’ve struggled to meet deadlines and organize my household well. Knowing what I ought to do doesn’t always match what I actually do. And just as my son has to practice again and again, each morning is another merciful opportunity to serve my family a little better than yesterday.

Five minutes ago the little, um, darling left a stinky mess on my fresh new area rug. How many times have I dumped harsh criticism all over my handsome-funny-brilliant husband? Or unloaded rants and rages on my three beautiful daughter-treasures? I know he didn’t mean to make another poopy mess, any more than I ever meant to lose control of my words and emotions. But it has happened and it’s ugly.

My son has all dignity removed when he’s stripped down, wiped up, and bare for all the world to see. God has done his best work in my heart and life when I’ve been laid bare too. Painful, humiliating failure has brought me to my knees before a God who loves me and lifts me up again. Having my weakness blown up so huge that I can’t possibly deny it has taught me to cling to my Strength—my heavenly Father who promises to grow me up and make me clean.

I will keep on potty training my son. We will plug our noses over the stink and do happy dances over every success. I’ll hug him, reward him, and never give up believing he’s going to beat this thing. And I’ll rejoice that my Father loves me just like that—He is going to stick with me until I look like Jesus.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)