Several years ago my younger brother Ben, cousin Abby and I were reminiscing about our childhood. We were discussing sibling rivalry and family dynamics.
Ben: Hey, Remember when Kelly was so bossy all the time?
Abby: Oh yea.
Ben: I had to always do whatever she said.
Abby: Yea, me too.
Ben: I had to play house with her.. she was ALWAYS the Mom and I was always the cat. No one ever wants to be the cat.
Abby: MEEEE TOOOO! I always had to be the cat!
Me: I feel so terrible! I never knew I was so bossy!
Yesterday the girls were playing house and I heard it loud and clear from the kitchen...
Ella Grace to sisters: Let's play house. I'll be the Mom, Miriam you be the friend, Susanna you be the cat.
Susanna: I am not the cat! I ALWAYS have to be the cat! You be the cat!
Ella Grace: Fine, I'll be the cat.. just one time.
I'm so thankful I am allowed this opportunity to train these little ones. When I see some of my flaws in my kids, the tendency is to be discouraged that they are "just like me." But the Lord continues to give me great hope that I can't change them ( He can) but I can train them ( with His help) to be humble not bossy ( wanting things a certain way and trying to be in control—self focused) to be a peacemaker and one who plays the cat so someone else can play the Mom. Make me a humble Mom, Lord!
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