Post-thanksgiving,
when the turkey carcass had been thrown away, the grease cleaned off the
counters, and hundreds of dishes washed, I couldn’t wait to go to bed and read a
book. It was 2:00 AM. I have heard other homes quiet down by that hour. Out of
our 4 sons and 1 daughter ages 15-26, only the oldest prefers sleeping before
midnight.
I
had one more task to accomplish—brushing our little dog’s teeth—a task neither
one of us particularly enjoys. As I turned on the faucet to wet Keyra’s scraggly,
chewed toothbrush, I found myself victim of my kids’ favorite prank. They wrapped
duct tape around the hand-held sink sprayer head, so when the unaware hand
washer, me, turns on the faucet, the handle is squeezed and shoots water everywhere.
I was not amused. I was too tired and
cold to enjoy being drenched.
They
said it wasn’t meant for me as they giggled. Hmm. At that moment, I forgot the
day’s theme of thankfulness. No, not a hint of it left. I did grumble: They didn’t do anything to help today…and all
they do is a stupid prank. Ungrateful blah blah blah…I should have gone to
bed. I needed sleep but decided to handle my aggravated feelings first in the
most mature way, of course. I’d get them back.
My
version of a prank: while they were still playing games in the living room, I
tossed all their bedding, comforters, pillows, sheets and anything else
floating around into the hall. Ha! So…when
they are finally tired and want sleep, they’ll have to remake their beds. I’m
sure that will teach them. I’m not sure what, but something. Mom can sink
to their level of immaturity.
The
next morning, I was over it. Why was I angry? This is raising boys. Pranks,
jokes, teasing, laughter and hugs. Now, as young men, not much has changed. They can still drive me crazy, and I still
love them. I am still thankful for them. I’m thankful my Heavenly Father still
loves me even when I do something spiritually immature.
A
Bible verse I should memorize:
Let the message of Christ dwell among
you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through
psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your
hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of
The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17.
Well,
then. I need some work. I doubt my revenge prank was done in the name of The
Lord. Got to pray more, sleep more,
laugh more, grumble less.
“Let perseverance finish its work, so
that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4
“The Lord is compassionate and
gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8
Comments