If there ever was an argument for original sin, it’s the lifestyle of a toddler. My theory is that a one year old becomes extra cute just when its time to begin disciplining her for wanting to dominate the world and all the people in it. My granddaughter Skylar fits that description perfectly with a sky-high cuteness factor but a stubborn determination to match. She’s totally captivating just as every one year old is, and can’t understand why she isn’t the center of the universe.
Louisa, Birgitta and I are not helping to increase her humility factor the way we cheer her every antic. We can’t get enough of her, and she knows it, playing us like a favorite tune. Tonight as we sat together in the living room, Skylar began turning in circles, making sure her eyes scanned our three faces and those of her parents as she spun around again and again, knowing she was bringing delight to us as we laughed at her. The world is her stage, and everyone she meets is her audience.
That’s probably why God sent Micah.
If there’s one thing we can be sure of, Skylar is not the center of the universe. That would be God. The fact that all of us used to be one year olds who agreed with Skylar’s point of view is solid evidence for original sin. When we were toddlers and didn’t get our way, tantrums erupted, a talent Skylar has mastered. Although most of us have had quite a few years to move away from such outbursts, sometimes tantrums still take over on the inside.
Enjoying life at center stage is most likely the most serious of all sins. If the world revolves around me, why would I need God? If I’m in the middle, that means God must be on the periphery. Although Skylar and all toddlers are too busy captivating audiences to care about that, I sure should.
As a college student I volunteered briefly with Campus Crusade. We used a pamphlet called “The Four Spiritual Laws” to explain the Gospel to interested people. One of the illustrations in the small booklet showed the “throne” of our lives with “S” for Skylar sitting on it, running the show. (Actually the “S” stands for self.) Everything else in life, according to the drawing, revolved around the decisions that came from the throne, a perfect picture of toddlerhood.
When the self dominates, Jesus is kept at a distance to be sure he doesn’t interfere with the self getting her way.
Thankfully, Micah’s arrival into Skylar’s life (as God’s instrument of change) will be her first opportunity to discover she isn’t at the center after all, an unwelcome bit of truth with which she will struggle mightily. Knowing Skylar, this wrestling match will continue for quite a while. But God knew about her strong will ahead of time and placed her with parents who are spiritually mature beyond their years, ready and eager to teach her the hard stuff. They’ll educate her, coach her, train her and cheer her on as she learns how difficult yet satisfying it is to submit her life to God. Best of all, they’ll model it day after day, year after year. They’ll also have an able assistant in baby brother Micah who will gradually edge his way toward Skylar’s throne/stage/universe.
As for the rest of us, when we see how blatantly Skylar or any other one year old unashamedly puts herself first, we laugh at such selfish presumption. I hope I’m able to laugh at myself the same way if I’m ever tempted to jump onto center stage. Besides, if Skylar and I were up there together, I wouldn’t stand a chance.
”Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
Great pictures, Margaret! Look at the size of Micah’s hands! I wonder what God has in store for him?! Good reminder, too, about center stage. Thanks for sharing with us! Enjoy your family time.
Love the parallel to Skylar’s toddler stage and the pics! When I see her smiling face, it reminds me of another parallel that we have with our heavenly Father. She knows she is loved unconditionally, trusts her needs will be met, trusts in being protected when feeling insecure or afraid, and living unashamedly in the truth of the personality of who she was created to be in Him. Having godly parents gives her the advantage of molding those strong willed traits into good ones and protecting her from the lies of the enemy who will spend her lifetime trying to place doubt into the truth of who God created her to be. She is a reminder for us to enjoy “just being” in God’s presence and knowing He delights in us unconditionally even while disciplining and molding us.
Congratulations to all! A friend who was an only child and had an only child avers that you don’t begin to understand parenting until there are more children. Kudos to Linnea and Adam for being willing to take on the challenge of teaching Skylar that though she has rights those rights end where the nerve endings of others begin. Children who don’t learn that hard lesson soon outgrow cute and become obnoxious to all they meet. What a sad fate for a child to see that disgust in the eyes of others. So keep up the good work.
True, true Margaret. Infants and toddlers are the cutest things, but also little sinners, just like the rest of us. Some believe we are born good but it is the environment that corrupts us- I wonder how many times they have been able to tally a mom saying something like this,” Billy, you’re driving me nuts the way you are always sharing your toys.” “Susie, I wish you’d stop choosing carrot sticks over cupcakes.” But Scripture says that “foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child… discipline removes it.” (Proverbs 22:15) The problem is not out there, but in here, inside my heart.
Here’s a promise from God we don’t like to claim: “Whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives… but if you are without discipline, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” There we go- one of the ways I know I belong to His family is that He disciplines me. The passage in Hebrews 12 gives the good result- sharing in His holiness, enjoying the peaceful fruit of righteousness, straight walking. Pastor James likes to say that God’s love is not a pampering love, but a perfecting love. Training them up in a way consistent with their bends and personalities, while at the same time disciplining the wrong without exasperating them is such a tricky line to hold. We do it so imperfectly, but God is a perfect Father.
It’s another one of those times when Scripture is the opposite of what my nature thinks- the one who loves his child disciplines him diligently (Proverbs 13:24). Really? That is so contrary to what all the experts say. What would Oprah and Dr. Phil think? Frankly, it only matters what God thinks!! Faith is believing the Word of God and acting upon it no matter what I think, knowing He promises a good result. Like what? Rejoicing in a wise child, delivering their soul from trouble, being comforted by them when they grow up.
I don’t think there is anything that is both so satisfying and so troubling at the same time than raising children! So many good comments above about how this mirrors the love of the Father, Who in our imperfections is imminently patient and loving and determined to shape us into what He wants us to be.
“Lord, we are definitely not up to the task of raising our children without error and without our own sin nature getting in the way. Where we have failed, make a way of forgiveness, and turn ashes to beauty. Where we have succeeded, guard us from concluding it is our own wisdom that has done so. Thank You for Your book that gives us everything we need to know for life and godliness. Help us to choose it even when it’s counsel flies in the face of our natural bend. Amen.”
Much love sent to Florida,
Terry
Isn’t it a joy to see the ‘fruits of your labors’ in your children bringing up children? Loved the photos! I say ‘enjoy the moment..they pass so quickly and are lost’…..how very blessed we are to KNOW a father that loves us so very much.
All the ocmments above and your descrioption, Margaret, are so ‘right on’ and well-stated.
patzian
opps..’scuse the mis-spelled.