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When Chad and I got married, the pastor read from the children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit. He read these lines,
“Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.' 'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit. 'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
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On a walk the other day, I asked Mabel to describe what sheltering at home has been like for her with a metaphor or simile. At first she said, “MOOOOOOM, quit being a priest.” Then after some time she piped up, “It’s like I used to be able to go where I wanted and now I am like a dog on a leash.” You said it Mabel, we all feel cooped up, corralled, and confined.
As parents we have great power for our children. We can support the integration of their experiences of being cooped up into resources for a more resilient spirit. Being a parent is a great joy, full of wonderful moments and responsibility we are grateful for; and parenting is also a long exercise in patience.
All of us fail at staying composed, now and again, we lack the perseverance needed, and we lose our temper or our cool. When our endurance fails and the final piece of straw breaks the camel’s back, we lose patience with our children, the circumstances, ourselves or just life as it is. The tenants of our Christian faith does not say much on the practicalities of parenting and yet Jesus is an amazing guide on how to be human. This actually helps a lot as I navigate the stressors of home/work life. The basics on being a thoughtful human is perhaps the most central gift we give to our kids.
This week I am noticing that sheltering at home makes alone time a challenge to find. More is asked of parents with less time for reflection. For example, I used to take a day off each week while the girls were at school and Chad at work. Now my day off is with a house of people with needs, ideas, and wants. It takes more effort to find some time alone. And it is difficult for me to be a good thoughtful human without some personal space. s my family shelters at home some things have not changed. We still argue about who should do the dishes - only there are more to do. We are constantly out of milk. And the dog begs for treats all day long. One major change has occurred, we have been dancing. I don’t mean turn on Beyonce or Journey and free dance. I mean choreographed routines. Yes it is true, and don’t ask, I am not including any videos here. Bethany and Mabel are the leaders of course, but the stand out performance is consistently Chad.
To celebrate Easter with extended family, my sister arranged a talent show over Zoom. Our entry was a choreographed comedic dance routine to a medley of four songs: I Will Survive, Billy Jean, River Dance, and concluding with a Rick Roll (Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley.) Just take a moment to recall all the songs, this collection will put a smile on your face. Yesterday was a down day for me. At home Chad, being a good husband, reached out and asked me to share my feelings. He never actually said he regretted asking, but the outpour had to of been more than he wanted, heck it was more than I wanted.
All of my sadness, frustration, and dark feelings amid uncertainty needed a place to go. Feelings need a place to go so they can quiet down. Feelings are so big inside they need an environment where we can trust the feelings will pass. I think that is why the Psalms is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Preserved for thousands of years, every human emotion and reaction are bound in our most sacred text. It is like God teaching us that our emotions are not good or bad they are simply part of life that God has given us. With God we learn to treat our feelings compassion. Family life has changed practically overnight with no classes to prepare us. All of a sudden everyday feels like the weekend! Oceans of time. And yet many of us parents are still working from home while keeping our kids occupied. Having to find ways to fill a day with young kids can truly test us even if we are healthy, supported, intelligent, resourceful adults. So if you are losing patience don't be hard on yourself.
Some teachers say that Psalm 23 was written by King David at the death of his son. He was trying to sort out life. How is God with us when tragedy comes? |
AuthorCindy Lund is the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less in Northfield, IL 
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