Yesterday I was in the doctor's office with Ben for a routine checkup. There were two things I noticed: One, that I was the only man by himself with his kid; Two, money doesn't mean anything about raising kids. Odd way to start off, I know, but it's to make a point.
One parent was obviously less well off. She had two kids with her, one boy about 2 years old, and a little girl about one. All of their clothes weren't the best quality. The lady had a skull tattoo on her forearm and a cherry tattoo on her leg.
The other parent came in with a girl of about ten years old. Both were dressed very well. Obviously both mother and daughter were well provided for and taken care of. The mother had a Kindle and the daughter had an iPod.
These two parents, living two very different lives in very different circumstances, might judge one another if asked or inclined to do so. Judgements based on external appearances might prevail, but I saw other things that made me look beyond clothing and possessions.
The lady that was well off with the Kindle never spoke to her daughter while in the waiting room, neither did the daughter speak to the mother. This bothered me. They were inches from one another, but miles away in thought.
The other lady with the two little ones was doing everything she could to teach. She quizzed her little boy about the animals on the wall, she played with her daughter and tried to reinforce obedience in the waiting room. No electronic devices, no distractions.
Today I was in a comic book store in Hattiesburg, thinking about how awesome it would be to have all the coolest superhero stuff for Ben. I know one day he probably will (Nana and Papaw) but today I just enjoyed being with him, listening to him and interacting with him.
What is most important in raising a child, as a parent of 2 years, is to pay attention to your child. This may seem asinine to have to say, but thinking about the last time you really paid attention to your child, or children you are responsible for, could help you to be more like the woman who was not as financially secure, but more loving to her kids.
I myself would rather be scraping by with the joy of being blessed with a child, than begrudgingly taking care of a child. Jesus said whatever you do to the least of these you have done unto me. Think about that the next time you brush aside your child, or scold them for getting on your nerves when you are distracted by a game, tv show, or app on your phone.
ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, BECAUSE THE LITTLE THINGS ARE WHAT YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOUR LITTLE ONES ARE GROWN.
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