Today we ran to the grocery store for one quick thing (jars! we made pickles!). Lydia can get out of her carseat by herself, but I still need to open her door due to the child-proof locks. After opening her door, it slammed shut again. And while I was on Asa’s side of the car getting him out, Lydia whined at me, “Moommmyyy! Get me out of here!”
I wanted to shame her. She had been in the car for 15 seconds. I was unbuckling her brother! How could she not see this? I wanted to yell that she was being selfish, rude and disrespectful! Instead, I walked around to her side of the car and got her out. But I did say, “Lydia, I didn’t forget you. You can’t yell at Mommy.”
And her response? Lip stuck out, head down, arms crossed. She pouted.
It aggravated me. Why would her first response to everything be whining, complaining and pouting? When something bad happens (getting the door slammed on her) she whines. When she is disciplined, she pouts. Why? Why is that the first response?
Shouldn’t she live a little more “hakuna matata” when it comes to minute troubles like the car door not opening? Shouldn’t she take my discipline with appreciation?
Yeah. She should. But so should I.
When was the last time I whined and complained (in my head, in my heart) about a situation? When was the last time I pouted (or ignored) discipline from the Lord while reading my Bible? More times than I care to admit. In fact, it may be my go-to response. Just like Lydia’s.
You know, I gave Lydia her name because of the Lydia in Acts 16. Paul and Silas (and others) came to Macedonia to preach about Jesus. The first place they wentย was by a river where a group of women had gathered. They began to speak to the women about Jesus. And Lydia responded first. She and her whole household were baptized. And immediately she asked Paul and his group to stay at her house. Later when Paul and Silas were miraculously released from prison they went back to her house for encouragement.
I love that the Lydia in the Bible was quick to believe in Jesus. She was quick to act on her belief–she got baptized right away. She was quick to tell and lead her whole family in baptism, too. She recognized Paul and his team as authority from the Lord and she went out of her way to be hospitable to them. Even when there was a volatile (and perhaps dangerous) situation like prison!
I want my Lydia to be this way. To be quick to listen to Jesus. Quick to respond with respect to authority. Quick to offer hospitality and servitude. I want my Lydia to be the one people come to in times of trouble because she will offer peace and encouragement.
And this is what I want for me, too. Today I’m going to choose to be like the Biblical Lydia. And when I say my daughter’s name today, I’ll use it as a prayer over my own Lydia. So that together we can learn to put whining, complaining and pouting behind us. And make obedience, respect, honor and hospitality a part of us–as much a part of us as our own names.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Honestly, I have to wonder just how many times I’ll have to learn this lesson before it sticks. Children are such fantastic (and convicting) teachers, aren’t they?! I, too, need to be more of a Lydia.
oh amanda says
I’ve said it a hundred times, “parenting seems to be more about ME than THEM!” ack!
Shirley says
I agree. The other day I heard the snotty tone in my voice when I responded to a question and then heard my son mimic it. Talk about a cold splash in the face.
Great post!
Susie Finkbeiner says
Now this was a very convicting post. Thank you for reminding me that my behavior and attitude matters too.
oh amanda says
It was so convicting to me I had to share!
ella says
It passes. Maybe you can tape her and then show her how she behaves, if she sees what she looks like from the side she’ll re-consider whining ๐ worth a try.
oh amanda says
Ha! She’d be devastated! ๐
Amy Kirchhoff says
I can’t express to you how encouraging this post was to me today. Thank you.