When My Toddler and I Have Too Much in Common

I think that parenthood gives us a tiny taste of what it must be like to be the Heavenly Father.

At least, parenthood lately has given me an idea of what it must be like to be my Heavenly Father. How very similar my little son and I are sometimes. It’s pretty humbling.

How many times do my prayers sound like the whiny, impatient cries of my toddler? How many times have I let my emotions runneth over into spiritual hysterics, blowing situations and challenges vastly out of proportion?

Gabriel trying to tell me something when he was about two weeks old…I wasn’t “getting it” apparently.

I catch myself sometimes skipping over the “God, thank you so much for the huge number of blessings with which you’ve covered my life!” part of my prayer, and going directly to the, “I don’t feel like cooking dinner! I’m so tired! Work was so stressful today and our budget is tight right now and so-and-so was so awful and unthankful and I don’t feel good and my grandmother is sick and I just found a stain on the dress I was going to wear to that wedding from where Gabriel threw up on it!” part of my prayer.

Funny how I easily I fall into that kind of prayer sometimes when all I dream of is hearing Gabriel say things like:

“Thank you mommy for this delicious lunch of a grilled cheese sandwich, milk, and strawberry yogurt. I’d love some more milk and maybe some more yogurt as soon as you get a chance.”

Or even,

“Mommy, it’s just one of those days. Life as a baby is tough sometimes. I have another molar coming in that’s really hurting me. I am just feeling emotional today. It’d be great to have some extra snuggle time with you and my stuffed animals in the rocking chair. Do you think you could do that with me after you finish cleaning up the huge mess I made at lunchtime (And sorry about that by the way, I’m working on it)?”

I know God wants me to go to Him in prayer for everything. Just not like my toddler. 🙂

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6

At least I have the world’s best parenting role model to look up to as I navigate parenthood. Good thing I’m not called to fill His shoes–just to walk beside them as best I can.

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Comments

Susie says

April 4, 2011 at 3:07 am

I have felt that way so many times too! It is humbling to realize how much I am like a toddler to God. On the other hand, I quickly realized that being a parent also gives me a tiny bit of understanding God's love for me. I love my child so much I could burst, so unconditionally, and then to realize that the love I feel for my child is just a fraction of the love God feels for me… whoa. It's awesome.