After spending much of the Labor Day holiday tackling the thrilling task of cleaning out closets, I realize I have nothing planned for dinner....and it is quickly nearing 7 p.m. Travis, my sweet husband, has been keeping the kids busy playing while mom completed her closet, so I figured he would not mind if I went to the store alone. "I'm going to the grocery store," I holler into the playroom, as I grab my purse. "Mommy, I want to go." I look down to see my eldest scrambling to find her flip-flops. "Okay, sweetie," then to my husband, "I'm taking A with me."
A and I arrive at the grocery, list safely at home on the counter. I grab A free cookie from the bakery, and off we go, perusing the aisles, trying to come up with something quick for dinner. We finish our shopping, and I begin the search for the shortest check-out line.
A who has been giggling at mom's goofy antics, is still in a silly mood. A normally says one of three things when we greet passersby: "Good morning, Merry Christmas, or ARRRGH. This time she chose the latter. A suddenly lets out a loud, "ARRRGH!" at the lady in front of us. "Oh, my," is the woman's initial shocked response, but it seems the lady is just warming up. Granted, the screaming is annoying, but unless you have a bad heart, it is probably not really going to hurt you. I turn A's chin to my face, and firmly say, "Pumpkin, we don't scream at people." To which the lady responds, "Yes, apparently she does." Surely, she jests. I just continue unloading my cart without saying anything. But she doesn't stop there, no, the woman continues, "Someone really wanted some attention." I feel color creeping into my cheeks, warming them from my embarrassment and growing irritation, but I've been trying to allow God to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life, namely in this situation gentleness and self-control, so I just quietly unload my groceries without saying a word.
I mean, really, what would I say? My daughter is three, if she's still doing this at 7, we'll talk. She skipped her nap and is hungry. Please tell me your not being serious. Maam, if you knew what self-doubt fills so many young parents already, would you be making me feel like I have no control over my child. Or how about, what really did you accomplish or plan to accomplish with your commentary? I just protectively stroke A's hair and softly explain to my daughter that it really bothers people for someone to yell at them, and that she should say hello instead or even, Merry Christmas. The woman leaves without saying anything else, and I finish checking out. A and I hurry out to the car, and I drive home, where I immediately call my sister for some reassurance that my daughter isn't the only child in the world that is trying to find her voice and express it, sometimes a little too loudly.
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