This Mommy Minute Monday is wise advice handed out by my dear friend Nancy.
Before I had children, I was in line at a church potluck behind Nancy who was helping her children fix their plates. One of her children wanted some apples that had been sliced however was not happy that the peeling was still on it.
What would I have done? Probably said "Oh, that's ok sweetie, I'll peel the slices for you." Pet, pet, pet, coddle, coddle, coddle.
What did my friend say that has stuck with me for years: "Well, use the teeth that God gave you and eat up to the peeling." Now, this was not said sarcastically but in the most loving but firm Mommy voice. I can still remember standing there amazed at her advice!
It is amazing the things that I do for my children that they should be able to do for themselves. It is amazing the amount of time I spend trying to cover whims and small inconveniences when in reality my children need to learn how to handle the situation themselves.
I think my response next time to one of these whims or inconveniences will be that of my friend's:
"Use what God has given you....(and figure it out!)" Lovingly but firmly said.
I love this. I read this at such a perfect time. I linked this post on my blog and wrote about how it related to my life at this moment...
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I have a tendency to say what Nancy said, but not in the sweet voice. I need to remember that! Thanks for the reminder.
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