Friday, August 19, 2011

Finding Christ in the Crayons

Chloe loves to color, but lately when she asks for crayons she's more interested in ripping the paper off of them than actually coloring anything. I let her because as long as she throws away the paper it doesn't bother me to have naked crayons. Today she ripped it all up, and then just left her paper there. I asked her to pick it up and she didn't. We needed to go to the store, so I told her I was setting the timer and she needed to have all the paper picked up before it went off, or she couldn't go to the store (which is a lie because I had to go, and if I had to go, she had to go...but she believed me. I know, I need to not tell them things that aren't true. That's not the point of this story. And I usually don't do that.). 

I gave her 3 minutes and told her she made the mess so she needed to pick it up by herself and I wasn't going to help her. She quickly began picking up the paper and getting big handfuls and throwing them away. She was happy to pick it up when it was more made into a game than just me nagging her to clean. Seconds before the timer went off she looked at me with her big, blue eyes and said, "I'm done!" I went over to check it out, and realized there were still pieces on the floor. But instead of getting upset or telling her she didn't do it right, I told her she did a good job and I'd help her with the rest. 

When I was cleaning it up I thought that's kind of what the Savior does for us. It's up to us to do our part and do our best before the timer goes off. But sometimes there are small pieces we just can't pick up by ourseves. We need His help. And instead of saying, "You aren't good enough; you didn't do well enough, you can't come," He just says, "Come, and let me help you."

image found here
I am far from having only a few pieces left to pick up in my life. I need a lot of work still, and I'm glad that not only does the Savior help us in the end, but He helps us all along the way when we come to Him. 

I'm so thankful for my girls and the everyday experiences we share that help me remember the Savior, bring His spirit in our home, and make me so grateful to be their mom. 

12 comments:

Mallory Hanna said...

what a beautiful analogy, and so important to remember.

Anonymous said...

That's awesome, Stacey! It's so TRUE! Oh, what a beautiful thought to go to bed with tonight. My daughters do the same for me, too. They've had such a wholesome, healing effect on me, and have definitely drawn me closer to the gospel. Thank you for sharing!!!

LynnEl Springer said...

Susie - that was awesome! I totally loved how you brought that home to me! Thank you for sharing that awesome experience! Fantastic!

Patti said...

um...tissue alert?
That was fabulous. Looks like you now have another story to submit to the church magazine department.

Amy said...

Stacey I loved that analogy! I think a lot of people would do well to remember that we shouldn't expect perfection from children, but that they make an attempt and then we help them with what they can't do. You're such a wonderful Mom.

Amy said...

That is so beautiful Stacey -- you need to publish that!! You should be writing a whole book! You're fantastic!!! I love you!!!

Christine said...

My first thought was also that you should send that in to the Ensign! Seriously, you should. Thanks for sharing. :)

Lani said...

Yes. Beautiful. Patti's right. Publish this!

Katie said...

Seriously, this is an awesome story! I need to be more Christ like in my parenting. So you should totally send this story into the Friend! I bet they'd buy this story from you too! You have great stories. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Nielsen Family said...

So hopefully you won't mind, but I might use that in my YW lesson tomorrow!

Alyssa said...

Stacey you are such a good mom! This story is great I love you!

Marly C said...

That really was beautiful. Thanks for sharing:)

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