Those who know me well know that I might well be the most physically inflexible person alive. My wife loves to tell friends that my toes do not have a "joint" in the middle, meaning it is impossible to curl my toes. She thinks my toes must be "claustrophobic" with the lack of mobility. I seem to be doing just fine, thanks.
Another type of flexibility has to do with being able to ride the waves of change that come during a typical work day. Currently, my school is meeting in a church due to a fire in our building. We will not be able to return to our building until at least next February. All of my books, notes and materials are in the process of being cleaned from the fire damage - hence my need to be flexible with new/no material. I'm finding this type of flexibility difficult - yet manageable.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Parenting
Today started out great. I went to church and led worship with a great team - there are few feelings in this life better than the warmth of making good music, especially music that lifts people's hearts and brings joy. I then ate a wonderful lunch with my family and friends. Then, upon arriving home, my daughter began begging for me to play with her.
I have to admit, there are times when I simply do not feel like playing games with my daughter. In this case, I was tired. My wife (who is getting less than four hours of sleep/night due to our 3 week old son) was even more tired. I was trying to rest, Jackie was trying to rest, and Chloe would have none of it. She started whining (something she is unfortunately getting very good at), jumping on me, crying, etc..
Feeling frustrated at my daughter is an infuriating experience. The more I get frustrated at her, the more upset I get that I am getting frustrated with her (make sense?). And I haven't yet found the ability to simply "turn off" my frustration. I am finding that it takes tons of patience and persistence to get through these episodes with Chloe - and I'm finding that it also takes a willingness to lay aside what I want for what is best for her. In other words - selflessness. Ding! A direct confrontation of my innate selfishness - something that has been a chronic condition.
I have to admit, there are times when I simply do not feel like playing games with my daughter. In this case, I was tired. My wife (who is getting less than four hours of sleep/night due to our 3 week old son) was even more tired. I was trying to rest, Jackie was trying to rest, and Chloe would have none of it. She started whining (something she is unfortunately getting very good at), jumping on me, crying, etc..
Feeling frustrated at my daughter is an infuriating experience. The more I get frustrated at her, the more upset I get that I am getting frustrated with her (make sense?). And I haven't yet found the ability to simply "turn off" my frustration. I am finding that it takes tons of patience and persistence to get through these episodes with Chloe - and I'm finding that it also takes a willingness to lay aside what I want for what is best for her. In other words - selflessness. Ding! A direct confrontation of my innate selfishness - something that has been a chronic condition.
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