Whitney and Madison begged me to take them to the "wooden park" (not its official name, but what we call it) after school today, and though that is not what I wanted to do I conceded for two reasons...
1. I had crushed them by saying "no" to this request a few weeks ago when I was feeling crappy and was resting in the cozy.
2. I no longer feel crappy and was happy to have time to read the book I started this week.
I put the lawn chairs in the back of the car for the first time this year (a sure sign of spring and soccer season) but ended up sitting on a bench at the park until I got felt too cold, then I sat in the car to read (my daily lunch-time reading has put me in the groove). The reading wasn't as leisurely as I'd hoped because it's hard to keep an eye on the kids at this park (that's why I hate going there). Even though they're older and were in a group of 3 (another friend from school came with us) I still felt anxious. It's maddening that we have to be so on guard about strangers, I tend to view them (especially the men) as ill-intentioned criminals, it's most unsettling.
But I did have a rather cool epiphany while sitting there. A rather scary looking teenager (clearly not making good life choices) walked past my car and as I was checking him out (and judging him) I remembered those words from No Doubt About It regarding all of us here on the earth now being saved for this time because we are "Noble and great. Courageous and determined. Faithful and fearless. That is who you are and who you have always been." After remembering that, I actually looked at this kid a completely different way and tried to see him as Christ sees him rather than dwelling on his scary, outward appearance. I actually teared up. It felt like a step in the right direction for sure.
Speaking of those words, they have become my personal mantra. I repeat them to myself many times throughout the day and while I'm trying to fall asleep at night (I'm weening myself from Ambien). I'd like to have them on a sign in vinyl so I can see them all the time, I want them burned into my brain.
**Do you get stressed trying to
watch kids while at the park?
Do you have a hard time
not judging scary-looking people?
Are you reading a good book?**
watch kids while at the park?
Do you have a hard time
not judging scary-looking people?
Are you reading a good book?**
Comment Window Tidbit: I'm feeling pretty good this week, what a blessing.
16 comments:
I hate that park for the same reason! It's impossible to keep an eye on the kids, especially if there is a few you are trying to watch.
I'm impressed with your epiphany regarding the scary looking kid. That's amazing that you felt that way- obviously you are putting those words into action.
I am in the middle of Cutting for Stone and loving it. Just finished Boy in the Striped Pajamas on the side and it was a total waste of time (not much time, thank goodness)
Although I agree with the difficulty of keeping an eye on the kids at that park, I do have fond feelings toward it because of the time I lost my camera there and then it was returned!
I too am impressed with your scary teenager epiphany. I find it is NOT always easy to view others as the children of God that they are and to try to see them as the Savior does. Way to go!
I need a personal mantra to get me through the tough times for sure. I hate discovering that I'm not as strong as I thought.
I am reading a wonderful book right now - the one you gave me for Christmas! (Someone Knows My Name)
I dislike parks that you can't see your kids from every direction or get to them easily. We haven't been to a park since the fall, it's been either too much snow, too freezing cold, or raining. I'm not sure when we will actually enjoy a bit of warmth minus rain and wind.
I think it is really neat that you were able to look at that teenager in a new way. I'm going to try that next time I cross paths with someone scary looking. Thanks!
I'm listening to Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, it is pretty interesting. Next up is Major Pettigrew!!
I love that park - but haven't been in years. It is hard to go someplace and you can't see your littles at all times. That totally stresses me out! There is one two skateparks that I love as I can pull up, sit in the car and see everything!
I love your mantra and that you were able to rethink the way you looked at that boy. I tend to just look at those kids as 'lost' but not forgotten. I feel a deep sadness for them as I am sure they are totally unhappy.
I'm not reading anything at the moment so I need to see what everyone is reading on goodreads.
I've never been to that park. Mostly because I have only heard it is hard to watch the kids and you have an uneasy feeling the whole time you are there... not my favorite.
I'm reading three books, which I never do so I guess I'm not reading a great book or I would have dropped the other two.
I love that quote too. I have been looking for something to go on the kids' walls. Maybe that is it...? I'm going to think about it today.
I think I mostly feel sad when I see teenagers like that, like I want to whisper reassurances to them.
I'm glad you are feeling pretty good!
I have been to that park several times and feel the same way.
I have a very hard time not judging people. I need to remember this statement, it is really great. Way to go for seeing past the scary.
I am back to reading! I finally got my kindle I got for Christmas up and running. I even read Major Pettigrews last stand! Can you even believe it?
I'm reading the Hunger Games and am not in love with it like everyone else has been. It's fine but everyone raved about it so much. I'll have to remember this book for my next purchase.
Yes indeed, pretty good is a real blessing.
Swimming pools with non-swimmers, parks, Wal-Mart . . . they're all scary.
I'm just starting Sarah's quilt and just finished Lone Survivor.
We call it the "wood park" and I only survive because I take my older kids and force a buddy system. I always wonder what the person who designed this park was thinking- it had to be a single man!
I'm reading The Art of Racing in the Rain for book club and vacillating between sweet and stupid about every 8 words. I won't say more because PBD is frowned upon.
I think it's okay to judge scary looking people sometimes. That's part of our job as parents, to protect our kids. A psychiatrist I know through work is on trial as of next week for child porn and I never did like him. I'm sorry he turned out to be that kind of person but glad i trusted my instincts and steered clear all these years. some of my co-workers even sent their kids to him for help!
I just finished Distant hours by Kate Morton and am looking for another book. That playground looks amazing - I do love to take my kids, but it isn't a relaxing experience. And yes, I do judge -and catch myself doing it. Hope you are feeling better :)
You ARE courageous and determined AND faithful and fearless! You need to see it in yourself because that is what I have always admired about you.
We call it "the wooden playpark." Funny!
I am reading Georgette Heyer's Regency World, a research-type book. It's thoroughly engrossing.
I love your teenager epiphany. I was one of those kids, long ago, so I tend to view them as "lost but not forgotten as Price Cream said above. (i at least try to mix that with my judging them as scary, while in mother-mode with my children around.)
In regards to kids such as that one, you live up to how you're treated. Totally true.
So glad you are feeling a little better.
I dress my little ones in orange a lot, so I can spot them at the park. :)
Great quote!
Like Amie, I just want to whisper reassurances to kids like that!
I'm reading Ally Condie's Matched. Not far enough in yet. Like Melinda, I didnt' love Hunger Games.
I have never liked the park. I always feel uneasy and feel like I have to watch them so closely. REading is impossible.
I love that quote. I love how it changed your attitude. It makes me soooo sad to see kids like that, just breaks my heart.
So glad you are feeling good again!!
that park really stresses me out. I don't go unless I have an extra set of eyes with me (aka Hubby) to help me watch my youngest.
I admit, I judge men at the park.
I am reading Memoirs of a Geisha. So far is OK.
Yikes. Looks like splinter paradise. My number one petty fear regarding children is dealing with splinters.
I have a personal mantra, but I don't think it has words yet. It's something along the lines of, 'It's all part of life.' It reminds me that I have to expect bad times and difficulties, and I have to keep rolling through whatever comes my way.
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