LESSONS FROM MY SON

A few nights ago this little guy was having THEE HARDEST time going to bed. If you have ever had to put a toddler to bed, you probably know what I mean.

A few nights ago this little guy was having THEE HARDEST time going to bed. If you have ever had to put a toddler to bed, you probably know what I mean.

Maybe it was because of the extra sugar from celebrating his birthday. (Let's be honest though, he often has a lot of sugar.) Or perhaps it was the excitement from his new toys. (It's so fun when your kids love what you got them!) And I'm sure the fact that daylight savings had thrown MY schedule off, meaning we were getting ready for bed later, hadn't helped as he hit that "I'm so tired I'm wired" state.

Whatever the reason, he had four of those beloved new toys end up in time out as he struggled to listen. After he lost the fourth one he said, "Mom! We forgot to say my prayers." Perhaps he was just looking for a way to stall and stay up longer, but I simply smiled and told him "Okay, go ahead". Here's what followed:

He proceeded to climb out of bed, fold his arms, and say, "Hey! Heavenly Father, Mom put my toys in time out... ... ...name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

He proceeded to climb out of bed, fold his arms, and say, "Hey! Heavenly Father, Mom put my toys in time out... ... ...name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

After a sudden moment of trying not to laugh, my mom heart instantly swelled seeing the message that "praying to God is simply telling Him anything you want Him to know", had sunk in. I patted myself on the back, and felt gratitude for being given the opportunity to see my hard efforts pay off.

It's hard sometimes being a parent, trying to stay patient, set a good example, teach your kids. It's so easy to put so much pressure on yourself. But moments like this, I realize I'm doing better than I think I am, and I'm grateful.

It wasn't until later as I was retelling this adorable story to a friend that I was humbled to realize how similar it was to my own prayers. (And not just because I start all my texts with "Hey!")

There are times, particularly lately, when things seem challenging. And even in times when I do think what God wants me to do is good for me -like go to sleep- I often still don't want to do it, proceed to rile myself up, and find it hard. In those moments, I too sometimes just want Him to know: Hey! This isn't easy and I wish things were different.

When this happens, I'm sure God smiles at my prayer and then proceeds to figuratively (and somewhat literally), pick me up and put me in my bed again. Because He knows better than I the things that I need.

Like how He gave me my sweet son; who everyday gives me opportunities to learn, to grow and to try again to take one step closer to my divine potential.

Share your experiences of God knowing better than you in the comments below. I always love to hear from you!